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American Pharoah
Backlash after newspaper asks if a horse is a better sportsperson than Serena Williams
Seriously.
SOME READERS OF Sports Illustrated were annoyed when tennis player Serena Williams was named as the magazine’s Sportsperson of the Year.
American Pharoah, a horse, had topped the readers’ poll, after winning the American Triple Crown – the first time this has been done in 37 years. Williams came 11th but got the nod by the judges.
Some people were not happy with the decision. No animal has won the award since its inception in 1954.
Williams won three of the four Grand Slams she played in this year. Overall in 2015 she had 53 wins and just three losses. She was also ranked as number one female tennis player every week of the year.
She has won 21 Grand Slam titles throughout her career and is considered one of the greatest tennis players ever.
Following an online debate, the LA Times came under fire after publishing the below poll:
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Williams also won the award based on her work against racism in sport and sportsmanship, something the LA Times pointed out American Pharoah “can’t really display”.
The newspaper later changed the headline of the poll.
Some 78% of people who voted believe Williams is the more deserving winner.
Again, American Pharoah is a horse. Just so we’re clear.
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