TV commentator apologises for Venus remark
A US television commentator has been dropped from coverage of the Australian Open and has apologised for a comment about Venus Williams which he claims was a misunderstanding.
Former tennis pro Doug Adler, doing commentary on ESPN, claimed he was describing Williams' aggressive style as "guerrilla" tactics and not comparing her with a "gorilla" during her second round match.
Adler on Thursday said he was speaking about Williams' tactics and strategy and "simply and inadvertently chose the wrong word to describe her play."
Adler was doing play-by-play commentary on ESPN for Williams' match against Stefanie Voegele, saying Williams was playing more aggressively after Voegele missed serves.
After Voegele faulted on a serve, Adler described Venus as moving in and charging with a "gorilla effect" or "guerrilla effect." Because the words gorilla and guerrilla are pronounced similarly, it's impossible to say for certain which word Adler spoke.
The remark sparked quick reaction on Twitter, with some offended users calling for Adler to be fired for comparing Williams, who is African-American, with a gorilla.
In a statement emailed to The Associated Press, ESPN said it had pulled Adler from the broadcasts.
"During an Australian Open stream on ESPN3, Doug Adler should have been more careful in his word selection. He apologised and we have removed him from his remaining assignments," the statement read.
