Like many around the world, I’ve been a bit curious about the “explosion” at the 2009 Grand Slam tournament yesterday that now threatens to taint the legacy of one of our most amazing athletes, Serena Williams. Though I’m not a tennis expert, and many of the detailed explanations of fault escape me, there is one component of this incident that does not.

Serena is a powerful, passionate tennis player. She’s fought to be a major contender in tennis and won many battles–including 11 Grand Slam titles. But this one, she was losing to Kim Clijsters. Then, there was the call. Then the snap.

Should Serena have been more professional? Yes, but she wasn’t. She blew up. She screamed and yelled many in sports before her–like the celebrated Bobby Knight. Like John McEnroe. Is it because she is a woman that her tirade seems more offensive to some?

Serena lost her good sportsmanship, her temper, and the match. No doubt, these were mistakes, and she has to pay–$10,500 to be exact. However, the talks of a potential ban are simply outrageous. While the Grand Slam Committee has the authority to strip Serena of her total prize for the tournament and her ability to compete in future tournaments, I hope they do not.

The mistakes that cost her a match should not cost her an amazing career. People should have the right to redeem themselves–especially in sports.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

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