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Post by bc2ca on Jun 1, 2021 2:00:06 GMT
I'm not surprised to see Naomi Osaka withdraw from the French Open. Good for her, putting her mental health first.
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Post by elaine on Jun 1, 2021 2:09:00 GMT
Good for her for recognizing and honoring her boundaries. ❤️
Sports, or ANY OTHER achievement/career, isn’t worth sacrificing one’s mental health for.
Whenever something takes more away from one’s life than it contributes, it is time to step away. (And, as trivial as it is in comparison, that also applies to time and energy spent here)
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Post by flanz on Jun 1, 2021 2:10:57 GMT
I applaud her!
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Post by AussieMeg on Jun 1, 2021 2:35:18 GMT
Good for her!! I feel sad that she has to step away from playing tennis temporarily because the powers that be think it's imperative that the players speak to the media after each match. How ridiculous! I also heard on the radio this morning that she didn't get much support from other players either, about not wanting to do the after match pressers.
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Jun 1, 2021 2:47:45 GMT
So very glad that she has been able to do what is best for her and her well being!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2021 3:37:21 GMT
Good for her!! I feel sad that she has to step away from playing tennis temporarily because the powers that be think it's imperative that the players speak to the media after each match. How ridiculous! I also heard on the radio this morning that she didn't get much support from other players either, about not wanting to do the after match pressers. She is a different breed of player. So many are so self centered, bitchy, money/fame hungry that they only care about being the center of attention. She is a welcomed change and I really hope she and others can make some positive changes to the sport. I also hope she seeks help. |
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Post by Really Red on Jun 1, 2021 3:57:23 GMT
I just cannot help but think of what is done to young athletes in the name of sport. We push these kids so hard and they become famous/wealthy at such a young age and it doesn't seem possible to handle it all. I remember a tennis star (It was Andrea somebody) whose dad had her on the courts for hours at age 2. TWO years old!
I really think she is smart for doing what she is doing. Did you all see that her sister came down hard on her? It seems unbelievable.
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Post by elaine on Jun 1, 2021 4:08:58 GMT
I just cannot help but think of what is done to young athletes in the name of sport. We push these kids so hard and they become famous/wealthy at such a young age and it doesn't seem possible to handle it all. I remember a tennis star (It was Andrea somebody) whose dad had her on the courts for hours at age 2. TWO years old! I really think she is smart for doing what she is doing. Did you all see that her sister came down hard on her? It seems unbelievable. Jennifer Capriati? |
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Post by lesserknownpea on Jun 1, 2021 4:57:41 GMT
I can think of many many world class athletes, especially those who started young who have suffered severe mental health issues. Alcoholism, drugs, suicide attempts, sexual addiction, depression and more.
Good for Naomi for setting her boundaries, and being willing to walk away from matches.
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flatfish
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Post by flatfish on Jun 1, 2021 5:08:02 GMT
Good for her! Seriously how much can a player say after a match?
Have you watched any of those interviews? What’ do they want the players to say?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2021 5:19:34 GMT
Piers has a little something to say about that..
ETA: Reminder - Piers Morgan recently walked off his own show after 90 seconds of gentle critique.
(almost as if he has a problem w/strong women of color....hmmmmm)
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sueg
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Post by sueg on Jun 1, 2021 6:45:28 GMT
We are not the good guysThis journalist seems to have a more sympathetic, and probably realistic, view on the situation.
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Post by lesserknownpea on Jun 1, 2021 7:22:50 GMT
We are not the good guysThis journalist seems to have a more sympathetic, and probably realistic, view on the situation. That last paragraph!!! How can people not see how encroaching, demeaning, and rapacious the press often is? I’ve seen the. Routinely throw anything they think might get an emotional response. I’ve thought for years that I’m witnessing some pretty sick relationships between the press and the talented people they love to build up and tear down. Sometimes i I feel complicit consuming anything these journalists write. I used to be an avid reader of our daily newspaper, and had favorite journalists, who I admired for their intelligence and fairness. But it’s all clickbait now. |
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QueenoftheSloths
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Jun 1, 2021 10:09:45 GMT
Good for her for taking the time she needs. However, I think she could have went about it in a better way.
If she feels media obligations shouldnt be a part of her job as a professional tennis player then that is fine. She can say that and she can try to change that rule. But to announce immediately prior to the start of the tournament that she isn't going to do that part of her job doesn't sit right with me. I have anxiety too, and parts of my job are stressful for me too. But if I just decide I'm not going to do those parts of my job anymore, then I don't have a job.
It feels like she wanted concessions made for her because of the state of her mental health. If a player had shown up in less than optimal physical health, no concessions would be made for them.
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PLurker
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Post by PLurker on Jun 1, 2021 10:14:09 GMT
Good for her taking care of herself.
And the getting fined for it. 🙄
I know it's part of the deal she probably literally signed up for but it's ridiculous to not want better. Kudos to young people learning to stand up for themselves and others and help make it a better world for future people. All people.
I hate the, 'in my day we brushed it off, plowed through and moved on, get some thicker skin' bullsh!t. Sounds a lot like suffering unnecessarily just because "status quo".
Not saying that her actions don't have consequences I just think she balanced them and made a choice. Her choice. Willing to take the lumps/consequences.
She took a career risk, her choice. Maybe positive change to come. Maybe not. (Hope so)
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Post by jeremysgirl on Jun 1, 2021 10:24:27 GMT
Good for her for taking the time she needs. However, I think she could have went about it in a better way. If she feels media obligations shouldnt be a part of her job as a professional tennis player then that is fine. She can say that and she can try to change that rule. But to announce immediately prior to the start of the tournament that she isn't going to do that part of her job doesn't sit right with me. I have anxiety too, and parts of my job are stressful for me too. But if I just decide I'm not going to do those parts of my job anymore, then I don't have a job. It feels like she wanted concessions made for her because of the state of her mental health. If a player had shown up in less than optimal physical health, no concessions would be made for them. I think there is a line. In the US there are laws which say they have to provide accommodations for those with physical or mental handicaps in the workplace. She is there to play tennis. I think that is part of her job. I don't think she is required to have to sit through media interviews. I think it's unnecessary to what she is doing and can often be exploited for ratings. I think it's high time famous person's start pushing back on the media. Athletes, actors, etc. |
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QueenoftheSloths
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Jun 1, 2021 10:33:06 GMT
Good for her for taking the time she needs. However, I think she could have went about it in a better way. If she feels media obligations shouldnt be a part of her job as a professional tennis player then that is fine. She can say that and she can try to change that rule. But to announce immediately prior to the start of the tournament that she isn't going to do that part of her job doesn't sit right with me. I have anxiety too, and parts of my job are stressful for me too. But if I just decide I'm not going to do those parts of my job anymore, then I don't have a job. It feels like she wanted concessions made for her because of the state of her mental health. If a player had shown up in less than optimal physical health, no concessions would be made for them. I think there is a line. In the US there are laws which say they have to provide accommodations for those with physical or mental handicaps in the workplace. She is there to play tennis. I think that is part of her job. I don't think she is required to have to sit through media interviews. I think it's unnecessary to what she is doing and can often be exploited for ratings. I think it's high time famous person's start pushing back on the media. Athletes, actors, etc. But the contracts they sign say that they are required to sit through the media interviews. The argument can certainly be made that it should not be required. But at this time it is, and she knows that. |
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PLurker
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Post by PLurker on Jun 1, 2021 10:44:34 GMT
I think there is a line. In the US there are laws which say they have to provide accommodations for those with physical or mental handicaps in the workplace. She is there to play tennis. I think that is part of her job. I don't think she is required to have to sit through media interviews. I think it's unnecessary to what she is doing and can often be exploited for ratings. I think it's high time famous person's start pushing back on the media. Athletes, actors, etc. But the contracts they sign say that they are required to sit through the media interviews. The argument can certainly be made that it should not be required. But at this time it is, and she knows that. Where they lose me is with the line of questioning having nothing to do with the job/sport and more toward personal. Can you imagine having a job you had to report or talk about and end up being asked often irrelevant, obtrusive and sometimes inappropriate questions. Journalists jobs/line of questioning should be in question too. If asked inappropriate questions you could of course refuse to answer or point out the inappropriateness but not everyone has the ability to handle that pressure, the self-assuredness. I know I'd choke, especially the "younger" me, which many of the athletes are. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Jun 1, 2021 10:47:47 GMT
I think there is a line. In the US there are laws which say they have to provide accommodations for those with physical or mental handicaps in the workplace. She is there to play tennis. I think that is part of her job. I don't think she is required to have to sit through media interviews. I think it's unnecessary to what she is doing and can often be exploited for ratings. I think it's high time famous person's start pushing back on the media. Athletes, actors, etc. But the contracts they sign say that they are required to sit through the media interviews. The argument can certainly be made that it should not be required. But at this time it is, and she knows that. And she's suffering the consequences of that. It's not like she's getting off Scott free here. This is a big price she's paying. But she's opening the door to the conversation. And that's where I think she's brave for doing so. It's high time we start having conversations about mental health. And the impact of our jobs upon it. Some of us are incredible workers and are afraid to come out and say when we are suffering. I have ample sick time, but I often plow ahead on days when I feel terrible. Or I have to feign stomach illness or headache when I feel terrible. And then I struggle hard to try to make up the hours I missed. Most of the time I can. But at what cost to my mental healing? I'm a great employee with a chronic health condition. So she is a great tennis player with a chronic health condition. It's time we start having these conversations |
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QueenoftheSloths
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Jun 1, 2021 10:55:43 GMT
But the contracts they sign say that they are required to sit through the media interviews. The argument can certainly be made that it should not be required. But at this time it is, and she knows that. Where they lose me is with the line of questioning having nothing to do with the job/sport and more toward personal. Can you imagine having a job you had to report or talk about and end up being asked often irrelevant, obtrusive and sometimes inappropriate questions. Journalists jobs/line of questioning should be in question too. If asked inappropriate questions you could of course refuse to answer or point out the inappropriateness but not everyone has the ability to handle that pressure, the self-assuredness. I know I'd choke, especially the "younger" me, which many of the athletes are. I agree with you. |
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QueenoftheSloths
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Jun 1, 2021 10:58:18 GMT
But the contracts they sign say that they are required to sit through the media interviews. The argument can certainly be made that it should not be required. But at this time it is, and she knows that. And she's suffering the consequences of that. It's not like she's getting off Scott free here. This is a big price she's paying. But she's opening the door to the conversation. And that's where I think she's brave for doing so. It's high time we start having conversations about mental health. And the impact of our jobs upon it. Some of us are incredible workers and are afraid to come out and say when we are suffering. I have ample sick time, but I often plow ahead on days when I feel terrible. Or I have to feign stomach illness or headache when I feel terrible. And then I struggle hard to try to make up the hours I missed. Most of the time I can. But at what cost to my mental healing? I'm a great employee with a chronic health condition. So she is a great tennis player with a chronic health condition. It's time we start having these conversations I also agree with you. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jun 1, 2021 11:29:00 GMT
Good for her for taking the time she needs. However, I think she could have went about it in a better way. If she feels media obligations shouldnt be a part of her job as a professional tennis player then that is fine. She can say that and she can try to change that rule. But to announce immediately prior to the start of the tournament that she isn't going to do that part of her job doesn't sit right with me. I have anxiety too, and parts of my job are stressful for me too. But if I just decide I'm not going to do those parts of my job anymore, then I don't have a job. It feels like she wanted concessions made for her because of the state of her mental health. If a player had shown up in less than optimal physical health, no concessions would be made for them. True. But what if you gave a report on your department’s budget and at the end, your boss asked you how you felt before you stood up to give the report? Or asked you how you felt because your blouse is sexy and now everyone is thinking about you in that way. Or that you messed up one section and almost blew the report—how does that reflect on your career and others to follow you? (I don’t actually know what your career is, I’m just giving one example.) The reporters are there to ask questions designed to trip up the athletes, to get a strong reaction from them that they can write about, to get the story but written in a new way, even if that new way was just fabricated at the press conference. Osaka took the hit. She withdrew from the competition at tremendous expense. It’s more than just the title and those winnings. It’s endorsements and speaking engagements and everything that comes with being a big name athlete. The withdrawal could jeopardize the future of those continuing. She took a stand, stood up for herself, and seemingly wants to change the process both for herself and those to follow. |
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QueenoftheSloths
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Jun 1, 2021 11:42:38 GMT
Good for her for taking the time she needs. However, I think she could have went about it in a better way. If she feels media obligations shouldnt be a part of her job as a professional tennis player then that is fine. She can say that and she can try to change that rule. But to announce immediately prior to the start of the tournament that she isn't going to do that part of her job doesn't sit right with me. I have anxiety too, and parts of my job are stressful for me too. But if I just decide I'm not going to do those parts of my job anymore, then I don't have a job. It feels like she wanted concessions made for her because of the state of her mental health. If a player had shown up in less than optimal physical health, no concessions would be made for them. True. But what if you gave a report on your department’s budget and at the end, your boss asked you how you felt before you stood up to give the report? Or asked you how you felt because your blouse is sexy and now everyone is thinking about you in that way. Or that you messed up one section and almost blew the report—how does that reflect on your career and others to follow you? (I don’t actually know what your career is, I’m just giving one example.) The reporters are there to ask questions designed to trip up the athletes, to get a strong reaction from them that they can write about, to get the story but written in a new way, even if that new way was just fabricated at the press conference. Osaka took the hit. She withdrew from the competition at tremendous expense. It’s more than just the title and those winnings. It’s endorsements and speaking engagements and everything that comes with being a big name athlete. The withdrawal could jeopardize the future of those continuing. She took a stand, stood up for herself, and seemingly wants to change the process both for herself and those to follow. In a previous post on this thread I said I agreed with the pea who said she thought the questions should stick to tennis and not veer into the personal category. I also didn't say she hasn't suffered any consequences from withdrawing. My point was that since she knew before the tournament even started that she did not intend to abide by her contract, she should have withdrawn from the tournament before it started. She could have at that point made her very eloquent statement about her mental health situation and I think people would have been sympathetic. She says she has withdrawn because she doesn't want to be a distraction, but the way she has gone about handling this situation has ensured that she would be. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Jun 1, 2021 11:50:24 GMT
True. But what if you gave a report on your department’s budget and at the end, your boss asked you how you felt before you stood up to give the report? Or asked you how you felt because your blouse is sexy and now everyone is thinking about you in that way. Or that you messed up one section and almost blew the report—how does that reflect on your career and others to follow you? (I don’t actually know what your career is, I’m just giving one example.) The reporters are there to ask questions designed to trip up the athletes, to get a strong reaction from them that they can write about, to get the story but written in a new way, even if that new way was just fabricated at the press conference. Osaka took the hit. She withdrew from the competition at tremendous expense. It’s more than just the title and those winnings. It’s endorsements and speaking engagements and everything that comes with being a big name athlete. The withdrawal could jeopardize the future of those continuing. She took a stand, stood up for herself, and seemingly wants to change the process both for herself and those to follow. In a previous post on this thread I said I agreed with the pea who said she thought the questions should stick to tennis and not veer into the personal category. I also didn't say she hasn't suffered any consequences from withdrawing. My point was that since she knew before the tournament even started that she did not intend to abide by her contract, she should have withdrawn from the tournament before it started. She could have at that point made her very eloquent statement about her mental health situation and I think people would have been sympathetic. She says she has withdrawn because she doesn't want to be a distraction, but the way she has gone about handling this situation has ensured that she would be. She's only 23, right? I'm trying to picture my 21 year old with bipolar handling this situation. And I'm thinking it's not going to be nearly as diplomatic as a 46 year old me would handle it. Maybe that's wrong. Maybe I give a whole lot of grace that sometimes isn't warranted. But I can understand the excitement she felt about the tournament. Emotions running high. Wanting to do the thing. And then getting cold feet. |
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QueenoftheSloths
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Jun 1, 2021 12:14:38 GMT
In a previous post on this thread I said I agreed with the pea who said she thought the questions should stick to tennis and not veer into the personal category. I also didn't say she hasn't suffered any consequences from withdrawing. My point was that since she knew before the tournament even started that she did not intend to abide by her contract, she should have withdrawn from the tournament before it started. She could have at that point made her very eloquent statement about her mental health situation and I think people would have been sympathetic. She says she has withdrawn because she doesn't want to be a distraction, but the way she has gone about handling this situation has ensured that she would be. She's only 23, right? I'm trying to picture my 21 year old with bipolar handling this situation. And I'm thinking it's not going to be nearly as diplomatic as a 46 year old me would handle it. Maybe that's wrong. Maybe I give a whole lot of grace that sometimes isn't warranted. But I can understand the excitement she felt about the tournament. Emotions running high. Wanting to do the thing. And then getting cold feet. I wonder if she discussed this course of action with her coach, agent, etc. I'm sure they could have offered her some good advice, just like you would do with your daughter. |
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peabay
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Post by peabay on Jun 1, 2021 12:26:21 GMT
In a previous post on this thread I said I agreed with the pea who said she thought the questions should stick to tennis and not veer into the personal category. I also didn't say she hasn't suffered any consequences from withdrawing. My point was that since she knew before the tournament even started that she did not intend to abide by her contract, she should have withdrawn from the tournament before it started. She could have at that point made her very eloquent statement about her mental health situation and I think people would have been sympathetic. She says she has withdrawn because she doesn't want to be a distraction, but the way she has gone about handling this situation has ensured that she would be. She's only 23, right? I'm trying to picture my 21 year old with bipolar handling this situation. And I'm thinking it's not going to be nearly as diplomatic as a 46 year old me would handle it. Maybe that's wrong. Maybe I give a whole lot of grace that sometimes isn't warranted. But I can understand the excitement she felt about the tournament. Emotions running high. Wanting to do the thing. And then getting cold feet. And she's been playing hardcore professional tennis for years. How many of these wunderkinds have we seen burn out so quickly? It's a lesson to parents (and agents and the pro tour) to watch out for these kids. The pro tour really isn't the place to be for the 15 and 16 year olds. |
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Post by Bridget in MD on Jun 1, 2021 12:30:30 GMT
Good for her for taking the time she needs. However, I think she could have went about it in a better way.
If she feels media obligations shouldnt be a part of her job as a professional tennis player then that is fine. She can say that and she can try to change that rule. But to announce immediately prior to the start of the tournament that she isn't going to do that part of her job doesn't sit right with me. I have anxiety too, and parts of my job are stressful for me too. But if I just decide I'm not going to do those parts of my job anymore, then I don't have a job.It feels like she wanted concessions made for her because of the state of her mental health. If a player had shown up in less than optimal physical health, no concessions would be made for them. My husband is a huge tennis fan and supporter, he thinks she is not being 100% truthful. He actually just said what QueenoftheSloths said - it is part of the job and she could have withdrawn beforehand not after. He said after the match, she spoke to the crowds, and now she doesn't want to speak to the press? She gets paid an AWFUL lot of money, and this isnt a surprise new request. BUT I do think the press has gotten out of control, and they need to be reigned in. Some of the questions they ask are flat out disgusting. ETA: I actually just saw the headline and asked DH why this was a big deal about not talking to the media - I truly didn't know that was part of the contract! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2021 12:48:43 GMT
Another voice in the 'status quo is more important than change chorus' pipes in....  |
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Post by dewryce on Jun 1, 2021 13:14:50 GMT
In a previous post on this thread I said I agreed with the pea who said she thought the questions should stick to tennis and not veer into the personal category. I also didn't say she hasn't suffered any consequences from withdrawing. My point was that since she knew before the tournament even started that she did not intend to abide by her contract, she should have withdrawn from the tournament before it started. She could have at that point made her very eloquent statement about her mental health situation and I think people would have been sympathetic. She says she has withdrawn because she doesn't want to be a distraction, but the way she has gone about handling this situation has ensured that she would be. She's only 23, right? I'm trying to picture my 21 year old with bipolar handling this situation. And I'm thinking it's not going to be nearly as diplomatic as a 46 year old me would handle it. Maybe that's wrong. Maybe I give a whole lot of grace that sometimes isn't warranted. But I can understand the excitement she felt about the tournament. Emotions running high. Wanting to do the thing. And then getting cold feet. It doesn’t even have to be cold feet. She could have thought she was doing better mentally and then realizing she was wrong and she couldn’t handle it. Or, she was okay and her mental status changed fairly quickly. Both of these things have happened to me countless times, and I’m a lot older with a lot more experience with being mentally ill. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2021 13:25:36 GMT
Good for her for taking the time she needs. However, I think she could have went about it in a better way. If she feels media obligations shouldnt be a part of her job as a professional tennis player then that is fine. She can say that and she can try to change that rule. But to announce immediately prior to the start of the tournament that she isn't going to do that part of her job doesn't sit right with me. I have anxiety too, and parts of my job are stressful for me too. But if I just decide I'm not going to do those parts of my job anymore, then I don't have a job. It feels like she wanted concessions made for her because of the state of her mental health. If a player had shown up in less than optimal physical health, no concessions would be made for them. You don't truly understand mental illness by this post. Depression, general anxiety, social anxiety don't give a rats bootie if there is a contractual obligation or not. They don't care that you will be fined if you don't do your job. I have seen first hand with myself and both of my kids just how mental health works. How everything is going well and then boom! Some obscure thing throws a wrench in. You can no longer function. You are no longer excited about xyz. You start to freak out about having to see people. Or talk to them. Mental health can also cause severe physical problems. Add that in to the feelings and thoughts you have and its a crap shoot. You also should not compare physical health to mental. Sprained ankle? That will heal. Broken bone? Heal. Torn all? Heal. The amount of medical options available to sports players is astounding. Mental health? None. There is no fix. It can get better. But you can't put a bandaid or brace or cast on it and say do this and you will be back to 100%. Nope. It chaps my hide when people think you can just easily do what you agreed to. Mental health doesn't work like that. Not everyone is at the same place either. Just because you can doesn't mean everyone else should be able to. |
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