Serena Williams Receives Record Breaking Fine for Outburst

By Kelly Turner on November 30th, 2009

Serena Williams will be fined a record breaking $82,500 for her threatening tirade against a line judge at the 2009 U.S. Open. Williams was serving to stay in the match when she was called for a foot fault on her second serve, which she did not agree with. She then verbally assaulted the judge, pointing her racket at her and reportedly yelling, “If I could, I would take this … ball and shove it down your … throat and kill you.” You can see the video here.

The fine is the largest amount ever in tennis history, after Jeff Tarango’s fine of $48,000 back in the 1990’s.

Williams has already paid the $10,000 she was originally fined, but it was later determined that she violated a “major offense” rule for “aggravated behavior” and will now be fined the larger sum, along with being placed on probation for 2 years. If there is another incident, Williams could be fined up to a whopping $175,00 and be barred from the next U.S. Open.

While this would be enough make most of us choke on our 401(k) statements, Serena Williams has raked in over $28 million throughout her career. It’s still a hefty sum, but not nearly enough to cripple her in any way.

When I originally watched the video, right after it happened, I was appalled. Now that I think about it, it just strikes me as odd. I understand being upset, especially when sports turn into your career, but I liken the “bad” call to your boss telling you that you didn’t receive a promotion because you didn’t turn in an application, which you swear you did. I’d be upset, but I most certainly wouldn’t threaten to kill a coworker, and if I did, I would probably be arrested. Also, trusting the referees and judging officials is part of the game. Knowing that they may make mistakes, yet their word goes, is part of the game- something I learned very young.

The fine is huge, and matches the level of media attention and public criticism Williams received for her outburst. Whether it’s fair, I’m in no position to say, but I’m thinking she’ll think twice from now on before telling anyone where to put a tennis ball.