Veteran ESPN analyst Doug Adler has apologized for controversial comments he made about Venus Williams’ attacking style.
ESPN announced it has removed Adler from the rest of its Australian Open coverage.
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“During an Australian Open stream on ESPN3, Doug Adler should have been more careful in his word selection,” ESPN said in a statement. “He apologized and we have removed him from his remaining assignments.”
Adler came under fire for a phrase he used to describe the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s net-rushing style in her 6-3, 6-2, second-round victory over Stefanie Voegele.
Critics took to Twitter with some expressing outrage believing Adler was comparing Williams to a gorilla.
Adler apologized and clarified he was referring to Venus’ aggressive style as “guerrilla" tactics and not comparing her to a "gorilla."
Asked about the controversy after her third-round victory, Williams took the high road saying she prefers to focus on the positives.
“First of all, all I can say is it's been a wonderful, wonderful career for me full of positives,” Williams said. “That's what I focus on. I mean, what else can I do? It's a beautiful life. That's how I feel about every single thing. It's just that simple, honestly.”
In 2014, Russian Tennis Federation President and former Russian Davis Cup and Fed Cup captain Shamil Tarpischev sparked international controversy referring to the Williams sisters as “Williams brothers” on Russian television.
“Look at our athletes–elegant and beautiful,” Tarpischev said. “I have tremendous respect for them [Williams sisters], but once one of the sisters passed next to me, and I found myself in her shadow for about forty seconds. They are so physically powerful.”
The WTA fined and suspended Tarpischev for the "Williams brothers" remarks, which were widely rebuked on social media.
Asked if she tries to ignore the controversy, Williams replied: “You know, I pay attention and address situations that are noteworthy. That's been my past record, clearly.”
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