19 ms·

If we're going to be mixing metaphors here: should we expect firefighters to do post-blaze media panels where they answer questions like "how do you feel about

• jasode 5y ago
  >should we expect firefighters to do post-blaze media panels where they answer questions I didn't downvote your comment but your comparison with firefighters is not relevant in this case. It's part of the job description for professional athletes being paid at sports events to talk to the media. >Lastly, only having one source of jobs stretches the concept of "freely" entering into an employment contract. She's not an employee. She's a professional athlete that voluntarily enters into sport events with established rules by the tour organizers. The opportunity to earn millions in prize money is a privilege provided by the combination of the events' prestige + media sponsorship + press coverage. She's not an oppressed minimum-wage employee asserting inalienable workers' rights issues. The press conference obligations are part of the tennis event that she already agreed to as a professional. >And anyway, we have higher responsibilities than the contracts we sign. Yes but I think Andre Agassi's handling of Wimbledon's rules in 1980s was more professional and respectful. At first, he didn't agree with Wimbledon's strict rule to wear all white so he skipped Wimbledon for 3 years. In other words, he didn't agree to participate at Wimbledon and then show up in a colorful red and blue outfit to stick a middle finger to the event. Likewise, Osaka could have skipped the Grand Slams to avoid the mental health issues from media interviews. But she preferred to enter the event anyway and roll the dice with paying the fines as a way to break the rules. That seems to be the more unprofessional approach by trying to workaround the event's policies. In any case, if the tour responds by expelling her from the event, she needs to be ok with those consequences. She has to weigh the mental health issues of being kicked out vs talking to the press. >Naomi's advocating for better working conditions. That's fine but many disagree with her approach.
• golemotron 5y ago
  > Also job responsibilities aren't eternally immutable. Tennis existed long before televised press conferences, and may well outlive it too. Naomi's advocating for better working conditions. How would we handle a tennis player who decided (for mental health reasons) that playing in public was an unbearable burden? Have special games without spectators? I think that case won't be too far behind this one if she prevails. Special allowances can only go so far.
  • mLuby 5y ago
    If they're the best in the world, and the special allowances don't change the sport, then why not? They played soccer games in empty stadiums during the pandemic. I'm hearing three camps here: the first says sports about the athletic competition, the second says sports are about performance in front of spectators, and the third says Freedom of Contract is all that matters. Anyway it's moot since Naomi withdrew from the French Open yesterday: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57310701 https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/57310701
    • golemotron 5y ago
      Yes. We should all wish her a speedy recovery.