'A standard that was not met in this moment': Journalist stood down after 'deeply regrettable comments' leaked
Updated . First published
Tennis Channel took analyst Jon Wertheim off the air "indefinitely" after Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova called him out on social media for what she called "coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance".
The network said in a statement posted online on Monday (AEDT) that Wertheim made "an inappropriate comment" and it "holds its employees to a standard of respectfulness for others at all times, a standard that was not met in this moment".
Wertheim posted an apology, acknowledging what he said was “deeply regrettable comments off air” that “inadvertently made it to live air".
Krejcikova played last week in the WTA Finals, which were shown on Tennis Channel.
READ MORE: Turbo, Dearden dazzle as Kangaroos claim title
READ MORE: Crumbling Aussies suffer 22-year first
READ MORE: Tongan war dance, spirited crowd give Fittler 'goosebumps'
She is a 28-year-old from the Czech Republic who also won a grand slam singles title at the 2020 Roland-Garros and owns seven major doubles trophies, too.
“As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary," she posted.
Barbora Krejcikova called out a journalist over bizarre comments. Getty
"This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in sports world.
"I’ve often chosen not to speak up, but I believe it’s time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media.
“These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes bring to the field.
"I love tennis deeply, and I want to see it represented in a way that honours the commitment we make to compete at this level.”
Wertheim also works for Sports Illustrated and is a 60 Minutes correspondent.
"During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off air," he said.
"I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologised to the player.
"What happened? I joined the show by Zoom. In rehearsal we were shown a graphic of a player who had just competed. It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead.
"A few moments later, I was told to frame up my Zoom. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead resemble the photo of the player in question.
"Someone in the control room chimed in and I bantered back. Though this was a private rehearsal, this exchange inadvertently and without context made it to live air.
"I realise I am not the victim here. It was neither professional nor charitable nor reflective of the person I strive to be.
"I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry."
Below is Tennis Channel's statement on the matter.
"When Tennis Channel became aware of an inappropriate comment about a professional tennis player made by our analyst Jon Wertheim on Friday, we immediately removed him from our air indefinitely. The network also apologised to the player, Barbora Krejcikova, as did Jon. Jon has dedicated his career to shining a light on and growing this sport and has been a valued member of our family and the tennis community. That said, Tennis Channel holds its employees to a standard of respectfulness for others at all times, a standard that was not met in this moment."
