Posted on 02/22/2009 10:28:50 AM PST by Nachum
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Venus Williams won her 40th singles title Saturday, defeating Virginie Razzano of France 6-4, 6-2 in the final of the Dubai Tennis Championship.
During the trophy presentation, Williams spoke about Shahar Peer, the Israeli player who was denied entry into the United Arab Emirates for the tournament because of what organizers called security concerns.
"I felt like I had to talk about her," Williams said. "I thought it was brave of her to come here and try and play despite knowing that it is not going to be easy for her. My dad grew up in an area where if you spoke too much, it was your life. So I felt I had a small opportunity to say something where everyone will listen."
(Excerpt) Read more at google.com ...
Just words. I’m sure she’ll cash the check.
total jerk!!
She is a Black victim, still!!!!!!
What a POS! Greedy, Beeeetch! Now takes credit for her “stand’. STFU Vanessa!
Pretty classy when you consider that pi$$ing off management could have severe repercussions on her ability to earn.
There are some who have resented the Williams sisters, but I've generally thought them a pretty classy act, and Venus speaking as she did today just reinforces my impression.
ML/NJ
she could have NOT Gone!
Others did not go.....She is a sell out...and to add insult to injury talking about what a “stand “ she took.UGH.
Next thing you know she will be comparing herself to Jesse Owens. UGH.
Good for her!
There was a time when it took a lot of courage to speak out.
At least she didn't say it behind their backs, which might actually be more dangerous come to think of it.
“My dad grew up in an area where if you spoke too much, it was your life.”
what a load of crap.....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Williams_(tennis)
By competing in this event she had no cause to mention racism at all.
Their father is a loon, but the Williams sisters are very impressive people. If you ever see the episode of Punk’d with Serena, she acts with more maturity and responsibility than any of the Hollywood twits who have been on that show.
And I say good for her.
I once watched a tennis match between one of the sisters and Capriati.Several bad late calls gave the match to Capriati.I was furious.With tears in her eyes, the Williams girl left with great class and dignity.
JenniferC. was asked why she accepted the terrible calls that let her win.She said that it had happened to her and no one helped her so.....I never heard much of her after that.
I would have preferred that the Williams sisters issue a public statement before the tournament and then announce that they were withdrawing from play. That said, this was a pretty good thing to do on Venus’ part.
it’s her daddy that’s the problem
Class or no, what if they had said ‘no black players’? Would anyone who had continued to play in the competition have a career afterwards?
I call BS on this her Scumbag father is the reverend wright of the tennis Fathers.
They should have all boycotted the tournament. But hey money before honor.
“I’m sure she’ll cash the check.” So?
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