Tennis Player Suspended for Racism

In this day and age, I find it really disappointing to see racism continuing to arise in our society, especially among our youth.  Unfortunately, Australian tennis player, Brydan Klein, who won the Australian Open junior championship in 2007 is an example of how difficult it is to rid our world of ignorance.

The 19-year-old has been disciplined by the ATP after he racially abused his opponent during a qualifying round match against South Africa’s Raven Klaasen on June 13, 2009 in Eastbourne, England.

I don’t know exactly what was said but it was enough to garner a six-month suspension and a $10,000 fine (from the ATP) in addition to the $14,000 penalty he received on site.  Until the ban is lifted, he cannot participate in any ATP World Tour or ATP Challenger Tour events.

"The incident was deemed to have been ‘behaviour that is flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tournament or is singularly egregious,"’ the ATP said in a statement.

I think this is a very fair punishment for his unprofessional actions and I applaud the ATP for taking this so seriously.  Klein can reduce his suspension by two months if he “successfully completes a racial sensitivity training course.”

Barring an appeal on Klein’s behalf, the suspension will begin on July 20, 2009.

image: Zuma Press