By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, November 11, 2024
Picture credit score: David Buchan/Getty
Tennis Channel has sidelined Jon Wertheim indefinitely citing “unprofessional” conduct.
The Santa Monica-based TC introduced it has suspended clong-time commentator Jon Wertheim after his essential remark about Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova’s bodily look.
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The community says Wertheim, who issued an apology on social media, has apologized to two-time Grand Slam singles champion Krejcikova, extensively thought to be one of the humble main champions.
“Jon has devoted his profession to shining a light-weight on and rising this sport and has been a valued member of our household and the tennis group,” TC mentioned in a press release. “That mentioned, Tennis Channel holds its workers to a typical of respectfulness for others always, a typical that was not met on this second.”
Wertheim mocked Krejickova’s brow throughout what he mentioned he thought was a rehearsal for the community’s TC Dwell present.
Jon Wertheim insults Barbora Krejcikova by making enjoyable of her look on stay TV@Olly_Tennis_ @josemorgado @Welovetennis @BenoitMaylinAre you going to speak about it?
As journalists, do you suppose it is applicable?pic.twitter.com/uBoxMGld9k
— Dan Gernez (@GernezDan) November 9, 2024
“Who do you suppose I’m? Barbora Krejcikova?” Wertheim mentioned. “Have a look at the brow when Krejcikova and Zheng take the court docket.”
The mockery prompted outrage and pushback from followers and Krejcikova herself.
“As an athlete who has devoted herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this sort of unprofessional commentary,” Krejcikova mentioned. “This isn’t the primary time one thing like that is taking place in sports activities world. I’ve usually chosen to not communicate up, however I imagine it’s time to deal with the necessity for respect and professionalism in sports activities media.”
You may need heard in regards to the current feedback made on Tennis Channel in the course of the WTA Finals protection that targeted on my look somewhat than my efficiency. As an athlete who has devoted herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this sort of unprofessional (cont.)
— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024
3/3
sport and the dedication all athletes convey to the sphere. I like tennis deeply, and I wish to see it represented in a approach that honors the dedication we make to compete at this stage.
— Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024
Wertheim apologized over social media and mentioned his brow criticism got here throughout what he believed was a non-televised rehearsal.
“Throughout a Tennis Channel studio present on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable feedback off-air,” Wertheim mentioned. “I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out instantly and apologized to the participant. “What occurred? I joined the present by Zoom. In rehearsal, we have been proven a graphic of a participant who had simply competed. It confirmed her at an angle that exaggerated her brow.
“A number of moments later, I used to be instructed to border up my Zoom. I regarded on the low digicam angle and joked that it made my brow resemble the picture of the participant in query. Somebody within the management room chimed in and I bantered again. Although this was a personal rehearsal, this trade inadvertently, and with out context, made it to stay air.
“I understand: I’m not the sufferer right here. It was neither skilled nor charitable nor reflective of the particular person I try to be. I’m accountable. I personal this. I’m sorry.”