Tennis Channel analyst Jon Wertheim has apologized for an alleged backstage joke that he never intended to air.
At the time of the hot mic moment, Wertheim was adjusting the camera, and on the channel, the host was sitting at a desk with Wertheim on the screen next to him. As the hosts were reviewing notes and making last-minute hair adjustments, Wertheim said, “What do you think I am… Barbora Krejcikova?”
Wertheim mentioned Czech tennis player Barbora Krejcikova, ranked No. 10, before her match against world No. 5 Qingwen Zhen of China. Dow Tennis Classic.
In a video posted to X, Wertheim mocked Krejcikova's appearance, saying:
“Look at the foreheads of Krejcikova and Zheng when they step on the court… eight heads,” he said. added.
Two days later, Kreichkova used her X account to state He criticized Wertheim's lack of professionalism and argued for a need for greater respect in the sports media.
“You may have heard about recent comments during Tennis Channel's coverage of the WTA Finals that focused more on my appearance than my performance,” she began. “As an athlete who has dedicated himself to this sport, it was disappointing to see such unprofessional commentary.”
“This is not the first time something like this has happened in sports,” the 28-year-old continued. “Although I have often chosen not to speak out, I believe it is time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media. Moments like these are a time when the true nature of sports and the importance of all athletes on the field are at stake. It distracts from the dedication it brings.”
The athlete added that he has a deep love for his sport and wants it to be represented with honor.
“I'm not the victim here.”
About six hours after Krejcikova released her statement, Wertheim released her own statement. apology Early in the morning.
Wertheim acknowledged his comments, although he called them “extremely disappointing.” He then claimed that he immediately contacted Krejcikova to apologize and explain:
“I joined the show on Zoom. In rehearsal, they showed a graphic of a player who had just competed, and it was shown at an angle that exaggerated her forehead. A few minutes later, I joined the show on Zoom. I joked that the low camera angle made my forehead look like the photo of the player in question.
Wertheim pointed out that someone in the control room had joked with him and the exchange was accidentally broadcast “without context.”
“I'm not the victim here,” Wertheim added. “It wasn't professional, it wasn't philanthropic, it wasn't reflective of who I aspire to be. I take responsibility for this. I own this. I'm sorry.”
Fans included in Wertheim's reply: confused Questions remain as to why the issue was brought up by the tennis player days after the incident, especially considering Wertheim claims he contacted her “immediately” to apologize.
Nevertheless, the Tennis Channel statement It was announced that Wertheim had been suspended from broadcasting “immediately” and “indefinitely.”
“The agency has apologized to fellow player Barbora Krejcikova as well as John,” the statement said.
The spokesperson also said that while Mr. Wertheim was a valued member of the Channel family, he unfortunately did not meet the company's “standards of respect” at that time.
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