By Franklin L. Johnson
Photo Credit: Mark Howard
(May 3, 2011) I just can't get over Andy Roddick's expletive-laden rage-fest in Madrid yesterday. Showing more venom in his cursing than his playing, Roddick dropped several F-bombs before bowing to Italian qualifier Flavio Cipolla, 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-3 in a dreary three-hour, two-minute debacle.
Roddick's foul mood and foul mouth even prompted whistles from the crowd at times. They probably would have appreciated ear plugs.
Something has to be done about this. It's not about Roddick having a bad day at the office. It's about any American athlete competing internationally. Whether you're wearing our national colors or not, you're responsible for your behavior around the world and that demeanor reflects either well or poorly on the rest of us Americans.
I don't think so.
I believe he acted this way to show the tourney brass he cared about not playing well and that his frustration reflected his legitimate concern. I don't think this is what was motivating his bad behavior. I think he wanted to put on a horror show because he knew an insolent, indifferent performance during this match would probably bring the ATP authorities down on him.
He didn't want to risk receiving penalties and fines. So, he ranted, not because he cared --
quite the opposite.
Andy Roddick has represented our country with honor and distinction during Davis Cup play. He registered an undefeated record in leading the USA to the 2007 Davis Cup championship and has been one of the most dedicated Davis Cup players in recent memory.
Still, that does not excuse his boorish behavior.
Most important, he has to be made aware of his role as an example of American athletic honor, humility and self-respect. I say we all must get on his case right here and right now. This kind of bad behavior shouldn't be tolerated from him or any athlete.
We must nip this kind of thing in the bud. Let's not forget this isn't the first time Roddick has felt he could get away with his salty frothings. Well, it's about time somebody did something about it.
Andy, you're not a child; you're a former World No. 1 and former U.S. Open champion so please spare us all the appalling infantile antics. You've show some growth in your game, it's about time to show some maturity in your behavior.
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