Russian IOC Member Appeals Women's Tennis Ban

(ATR)Shamil Tarpischev is challenging his disqualification over derogatory comments he made about U.S. tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams.

Russian news agency TASS quotes Tarpischev, also president of the Russian Tennis Federation, as saying, "I have filed an appeal."

Last month, during an interview on the Russian TV show "Vecherny Urgant," Tarpischev referred to Serena Williams as "one of the Williams brothers."

Following the remark, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) disqualified 66-year-old Tarpischev for a year. He was also fined $25,000.

The WTA reports Serena Williams described Tarpischev's comment as "sexist and racist." Tarpischev later wrote a letter of apology to both of the Williams sisters.

The UK's Press Association quoted WTA CEO Stacey Allaster as saying Tarpischev’s remarks were "insulting, demeaning and have absolutely no place in our sport."Around the Ringscontacted the WTA today, but has yet to hear comment from a WTA representative on Tarpischev's appeal.

A member of the IOC since 1994, Tarpischev has been a member of the Russian Olympic Committee's executive committee for 20 years. He sits on the IOC's sport and environment and entourage commissions.

The IOC Ethics Commission contacted Tarpischev in the wake of his controversial remark. As of late October,no decision had been made on whether the panel would open a case or consider sanctions.

Written byNicole Bennett

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