By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, February 21, 2024
During his taking part in days, James Blake earned a popularity as considered one of tennis’ prime sportsmen.
Today, Blake was fined $56,250 for breaching tennis’ betting sponsorship guidelines.
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The International Tennis Integrity Agency “accepted that [Blake’s] violation was unintentional” and fined Blake $56,250 with an extra suspended tremendous of $131,250 and a suspended ban of 18 months.
Former world No. 4 Blake started his ban on February 9, 2024 and won’t face the extra tremendous or suspension offered he doesn’t violate the foundations throughout the subsequent 18 months.
As a event director, Blake is taken into account a “covered person”, who should adjust to the game’s guidelines round relationships with betting operators.
The TACP guidelines state that: “No Covered Person shall directly or indirectly, facilitate, encourage and/or promote Tennis Betting (‘Facilitation’).”
“Across our members – the ATP, WTA, ITF and Grand Slams – the rules prohibit accredited individuals from having commercial relationships with betting companies,” ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said. “This case is more a matter of perception, rather than corruption.
“The rules apply to players, coaches, officials and accredited tournament staff – who all have the ability to influence results or have access to inside information. We urge anyone in the sport who is unclear or is considering commercial deals like this to get in touch with us to seek guidance.”
Read the total ITIA announcement of Blake’s tremendous and suspension right here.
Yonkers, N.Y. native Blake, a key member of the 2007 United States Davis Cup squad that defeated Russia to seize the Cup in Portland, is the third former member of the U.S. Davis Cup squad to get hit with a five-figure tremendous for betting promotion.
Back in 2022, former U.S. Davis Cup captain Mardy Fish and coach Bob Bryan have been every fined $10,000 and issued suspended bans of 4 months after admitting the promotion of a gaming operator on social media.
Photo credit score: Miami Open
Source: www.tennisnow.com