Billie Jean KingVerified account

I tend to agree with @naomiosaka for one single reason: journalists used to be more professional and respectful with athletes. Now it seems they are just looking for controversy and sensationalism, focusing on many other things but tennis. I can totally understand her point.

It’s a mental health issue. More athletes, especially women, should refuse to speak to the press who can be pretty abusive

For me.... mental health is more important. There are many ways she can continue to put the sport on the map... but in this day an age... we have to listen and respect a player’s decision.

I understand 'back in the day' but we aren't there any more this is the present, in many cases the media is awful (sports, politics & other areas). The media is now about how dramatic they can make a story 2 sell papers, get clicks & they don't care who is left in their wake.

With all due respect to what you've accomplished in your career, there is little resemblance in media of your day & media of today. They want her to go on record and say something sensational for a sound bite. Her refusal should be her right. To be fined (if true) seems harsh.

Disappointing, but not surprising. ‘Both sides’-ing this is cowardly.

Very important to be brutally honest here. Sports media and tennis media in particular have done a terrible job covering Black athletes forever. Amplifying conflict and creating narratives is not the same thing as growing the game. The ball is clearly in the Media's court here.