Serena may lose more than her top after this

The International Tennis Association is considering stripping Serena Williams of more than her bikini top after her recent photoshoot for ESPN magazine's body issue. Serena's oiled up nude body made the cover of the magazine and sparked worldwide commentary on her backside as opposed to her back hand. The ITA thinks the photos send the wrong message about professional tennis and is considering fining Serena a half million dollars, stripping her of her Australian Open title, and banning her from the sport for a period of time.

When I first read this my reaction was "EXCUSE me?" I am all for professional associations promoting morality amongst their members, but I think this is going way too far. I understand they have an image to uphold, but this photoshoot was something Serena did on her own time. It was not in conjunction with any tournament. I simply do not see what gives them the right to ban her and strip her title. It's not as if she made a porno with her trophies in full view of the camera R. Kelly, robbed a bank, or killed someone. If she won the tournament I don't think that win can/should be undone regardless of her subsequent behavior.

Now, don't get me wrong. I love the cover. I have defended her for doing the cover shot because I think it is artistic and in line with what the other athletes in the issue did with their photos. The topless pic inside the magazine is another story. In my opinion, it is a bit too racy and is better suited for Smooth or King. Individual tastes aside, her pictures are not posed like U.S. Fed Cup winner Ashley Harkleroad (who?) was for Playboy in 2008. I recall absolutely no furor over her being the first tennis player to pose for Hef's magazine.

Quiet as it's (not) kept, many people have wanted Venus and Serena out of the tennis world since they first debuted on the circuit. They are just too good. and too black. Despite a few breakthroughs like Zena Garrison and Arthur Ashe, tennis has traditionally been a lily white sport. When the Williams sisters made the scene they blew their competitors away with their unapologetic style and ability on the court. They endured a lot of racism from other coaches, players, judges, etc. but triumphed nonetheless. They continue to dominate to this day and a lot of people resent it. It think this photoshoot flap is just an excuse to try and get rid of them.