Longtime Tennis Channel commentator Jon Wertheim has been removed from the airwaves “indefinitely” after making an “inappropriate comment” about tennis star Barbora Krejcikova, the network announced Sunday.
The Tennis Channel said in a statement She became aware of the comment made by Wertheim on Friday and it was returned “immediately”.
“Jon has dedicated his career to highlighting and growing the 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 respect for others at all times, a standard that has not been met at this time,” the statement said.
The channel apologized to Krejcikova, as did Wertheim.
Krejcikova expressed her dismay at the comment on X Saturday, writing: “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional comment. »
Wertheim issued a public apology on Xclaiming he made “deeply regrettable off-air comments” during an in-studio show on the Tennis Channel on Friday.
“I recognize them. I apologize for them. I immediately contacted the player and apologised,” he said.
He then offered an explanation for this comment.
“What happened? I joined the show via zoom. During rehearsal, we were shown a graphic of a player who had just competed. It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead. Some Moments later, I was told to zoom in. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that my forehead looked like the photo of the player in question. control intervened and I joked return Although this was a private rehearsal, this exchange was broadcast live inadvertently and without context,” he said.
“I realize: I am not the victim here. It was neither professional, nor charitable, nor representative of the person I strive to be. I am responsible. I own this. I’m sorry,” he concluded. In addition to his work with Tennis Channel, Wertheim is also a senior editor for Sports Illustrated and correspondent for CBS’s “60 Minutes.”
Krejcikova on I have often chosen not to speak out, but I think it is time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media.
She said such comments distract from athletes’ dedication to their sport.
“I love tennis deeply and want to see it represented in a way that honors the commitment we make to compete at this level,” Krejcikova said.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
