Friday wasn't a good day for organizers of the Dubai Tennis Championships. After Israeli player Shahar Peer was denied a visa by the United Arab Emirates, the WTA brought the hammer down with a record $300,000 fine.Then, defending champion Andy Roddick -- notably upset with their decision to turn down Peer -- announced he wouldn't be playing in the men's tournament next week.
"I really didn't agree with what went on over there. I don't know if it's the best thing to mix politics and sports, and that was probably a big part of it," Roddick said at a tournament in Memphis, Tenn.
"It's just disappointing that reflects on a tournament that probably didn't have much to do with the decision. Nevertheless, I just don't feel like there's a need for that in a sporting event. I don't think you make political statements through sports."
Organizers said they feared fan anger over Israel's recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip would result in riots if Peer were to play in the tournament.
The decision potentially could have cost Peer and doubles partner Anna-Lena Groenefeld of Germany a substantial amount of prize money. But it turns out part of the fine will go to Peer and Groenefeld to make up for it. Peer will receive $44,250 -- along with 130 ranking points -- and Groenefeld will get $7,950."I think what we hope with this decision is that we're sending a very clear message that we're not going to tolerate discrimination of any kind," tour CEO Larry Scott told The Associated Press.
"We wanted to send a clear signal that this is the most egregious action the world of tennis has seen in recent history. And we felt that it should be at least double what the previous highest penalty was."
In addition, the UAE said it would grant Israeli player Andy Ram a visa so he could play in the $2.2 million men's tourney. If Ram wasn't allowed to enter, future hosted events there could have been in jeopardy.
Not surprisingly, this wasn't the first time that Peer has faced resistance to participating in a tournament. Want to talk about adversity? Below you'll see shots of protesters who called for her to leave the 2009 ASB Classic because of her nation's military action in Gaza.
At a press conference in January, Peer said she would not consider withdrawing from a tourney for political reasons. "I think [the politics] is nothing to do with what I am doing," she says.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
2-21-2009 @ 9:07AM
HI CMA MAN said...
Politics has nothing to do with sports. Instead of blaming Israel for PROTECTING their lives with terrorits in Arab countries, perhaps the Arab countries should get rid of the low life terrorits that hide in their countries.
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2-21-2009 @ 2:31PM
David said...
well its about time someone from a Major Sport take a stand and express his feelings about stuff like this..... I mean seriously you ban one person, but let in another???? how messed up is that....
2-21-2009 @ 11:49AM
fredodeservedit said...
Roddick is sweet, but he'll probably never win another major.
Then again, does he need to? He's got cake and a hot fiance.
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2-21-2009 @ 12:14PM
imlaughlin said...
Try to stay on point, fredodeservedit.
2-22-2009 @ 12:31PM
Sieben said...
Is aol boycotting the Williams sisters?????? Venice & makes america proud and there is nothing written about her accomplishments on aol. Something wrong with this picture
2-21-2009 @ 11:51AM
shadotme said...
Tennis fans, in fact all sports fans, should be proud of Andy's decision to defend his fellow tennis players by standing up to the UAE's political posturing. Politics has no place in sports, or entertainment industries, or anywhere but the political arena. Andy showed courage and honor by not condoning this decision. In another sport, golf, I wonder if Tiger Woods regrets his decision to put his name on his first golf course, in Dubai.
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2-21-2009 @ 12:11PM
imlaughlin said...
Andy, good on yah!
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2-21-2009 @ 12:30PM
smj4740 said...
wtg Andy and the WTA i hope all the decent players walk out on your tourney, just because they can..
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2-21-2009 @ 12:31PM
ehege said...
Andy, I admire you. Not many people are willing to sacrifice many $s to stand up and do the right thing as a protest against discrimination towards a fellow athlete.
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2-21-2009 @ 1:04PM
phoenix1dc said...
ehege - Good for people like us, too! We're not alone after all. The only suggested change I'd have for you comment would be to replace "fellow athlete" with "fellow Human Being"...
2-21-2009 @ 12:53PM
kpacolvin said...
Maybe Andy will never win another Grand Slam event but, as defending champ, his withdrawal had a stong impact on the powers that be. His decision makes him a champ in my book and is more meaningful than having more American tennis players in the top echelons of the game. A man's support of a woman player is particularly gratifying since it took place in a part of the world where women are so often degrades. Andy has "done us proud." Whether tennis and politics should mix is up for debate as Andy has a right to freedom of speech. I can't think of a better way for him to exercise that right.
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2-21-2009 @ 12:57PM
boxdog said...
I am very proud of Roddicks decision. Good for him, good for tennis and screw the arabs, they're scared of protests and broo ha? But they aren't scared to strap explosives to their bodies and BLOW INNOCENT PEOPLE TO SMITHEREENS? Priorities, Arabs, priorities. Besdies, tennis is so, western. Doesn't it make you feel dirty? pfft.
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2-21-2009 @ 1:08PM
susie said...
By far the best comment of the day!! Well put.. too bad the people who need to "get it" don't have the mentality to understand any intelligent reasoning...
2-21-2009 @ 1:04PM
John L said...
Try living a month in Palestine and tell me how fair the Israeli's are ! When children can't walk to school without being shot down ! When medicine, food and electric are shut off from the people ! Ask Rachel Corrie's and James Miller's parents what a just Country Israel is ! The whole World should boycott Israel ! Good job UAE !!
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2-21-2009 @ 2:15PM
mfeld3551 said...
The Arab world is supporting TERRORISM. Boycott those who are trying to kill and destroy Israel. Shame on anyone who thinks the Israel
is to blame.
HOW FAST AMERICANS FORGET ABOUT THE MURDEROUS ACTS ON SEPTEMBER 11!!!!
9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11 9/11
THE SAUDI ROYAL FAMILY PAID FOR THESE CAMEL BUTT HEADS TO DO THIS TO US AND THE WORLD.
BOYCOTT SAUDI ARABIA, THE WORLD'S BIGGEST RACISTS.
2-21-2009 @ 2:37PM
Susan said...
Yea and that is why the Arab countries said and did nothing during the last assault.. They want Hamas gone as much as anyone else as they pose a treat to their lives..They codemn Israel in one breath and thank then under it
2-21-2009 @ 2:42PM
Jordan said...
Indeed, John L!
2-21-2009 @ 2:54PM
sistahdrum said...
John L -- a voice of reason!! And POLITICS are ALWAYS involved in sports. It's only when you aren't affected that you think not.
2-21-2009 @ 1:12PM
jeribank1 said...
Andy Roddick shows courage and a belief in equality that we rarely see. I applaud him and wonder where the rest of his peers are when it is time to step up for something beyond self interest.
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2-21-2009 @ 1:17PM
ja4900 said...
If the Israeli's defending themselves are ruining the lives of the palestinian people in gaza then why in the world would they continue to initiate hostility by sending rockets into Israel. Hello?? Would any county no defend themselves against aggresive terrorist thugs that use women and children as shield!!! Protest against Hamas Arabs they are distroying your lives, your culture , your ancestry, and your reputation around the civil world!!
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