Foot Fault Freakout
Brittany Toland, Business Manager
9/25/09
We all know what being in the moment feels like, but when you are a famous athlete, and have everything to prove to the world, imagine what it feels like to have that moment torn from your grasp. It’s understandable that you may be upset or that you pout in the privacy of you own home, but when does it get to be a bit extreme?
I think that saying you will shove a tennis ball down a woman’s throat is most certainly crossing the line. For Serena Williams, it seems like nothing but a daily conversation. On Saturday, September 12, Williams was facing opponent Kim Clijsters in a semi-final match of the U.S. Open when a line judge called a foot fault. Although she didn’t agree with the call, what Williams did next was completely unacceptable. Profane vocabulary spoken by the tennis star was being shot at the line judge like a tennis ball being shot over the net.
Not only was this outburst unprofessional, the following day Williams released a statement, not an apology. “ Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job…now that I have had time to gain my composure, I can see that while I don’t agree with the unfair line call, in the heat of the battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me, and as a result handled the situation poorly.” This statement seems forced, and I don’t think she’s sorry for her actions and it’s quite obvious.
I’m glad to hear her crime isn’t left unpunished. Williams was fined $10,000 for unsportsman like conduct, and also faces the possibility of an additional fine or suspension from next years U.S. Open. She should have known better than to behave like a child.
“I didn’t approve of it especially because being a tennis player I am taught by my coaches to have self control and respect for all calls given. She should have known tennis players everywhere are learning from her,” Malissa Patel, a junior and member of the ULHS tennis team, said.
Next time, maybe she’ll think before she speaks, or at least be respectful enough to hold her tongue until a later time.
Lollar to the NBA
Paul Watson, Managing Editor
4/6/10
For the first time in UL history, one of our own has been offered a position in the National Basketball Association. Senior Jonathan Lollar, 4’9”, has been offered a position on quite a few NBA teams and is debating which offer to take. Though he never played on the school team because of his already hectic schedule, he has a full ride scholarship to many different colleges. He only plans on completing his freshman year of college so he can go straight into the NBA Draft. He won’t fall off of the NBA’s radar, though. Lollar shared a few words with us.
Knight’s Tale: What positions do you play?
Lollar: I play everything, but mostly point guard.
KT: What team are you most interested in?
Lollar: The Dallas Mavericks. I’m from Dallas, and it would be an excuse to finally go back.
KT: Do you have anything to bring back to the NBA?
Lollar: I would love to lead the Mavs to the Finals again!
KT: Finally, do you have a new goal in life now that this door has opened?
Lollar: I really want to make ESPN’s “Not Top Ten” every week!
Lollar’s biggest dilemma now is just deciding which college to play for. Whether it be near home or around the world, The Knight’s Tale wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors!
Winkles Wrestling Entertainment (April Fools)
Elliot Greer, Staff Writer
4/6/10
On March 5, Logan Winkles announced that he has signed with WWE (no longer World Wrestling Entertainment but Winkles Wrestling Entertainment). Besides signing with WWE, he is also the State Wrestling Champion which interested WWE in the first place.
The Knights Tale: Since you have joined WWE you have to have a wrestling name. Can you tell us what it is?
Logan Winkles: Hulk Logan. That’s what my friends call me in German class.
KT: What is your signature move?
LW: The Flipping Flying Double Neck Chicken Slam!
KT: Will you give a shout out to UL when you make your television debut?
LW: No way! I’ll be on TV, dude! Why would I worry about school?
KT: What is your catch phrase or motto?
LW: Hey Sister. (Not to be confused with Hulk Hogan’s Hey Brother.)
KT: What company will you be sponsored by?
LW: KFC!
Well, it looks like we have another “chicken-fried” star from Thomaston, well more like chicken-fried steak.
Figure Skating/Lacrosse Wins (April Fools)
Anna McCard, Editorials Editor
4/6/10
As the winter season comes to a close, some of UL’s favorite sports must also come to an end.
On Mon., March 8, the UL male figure skating team had their last meet. With the rest of the season behind their unitard, this match would make or break the team. With their slachows and sit spins, the team won over the hearts of the judges, gaining them a perfect score in the last round. Tunde Faryike was the star of the night as he spun his way to first place.
“I feel great about winning. There was a lot of skepticism about our team. When you first see us together we just look like a rag tag group, but on the ice we’re as dominant a team as you’ll ever see. I feel like at the level we’re performing we could easily take state,” Faryike said.
In the end, the UL team beat out all the rest to earn first place overall.
Although many sports are coming to an end, spring sports are now beginning. The lacrosse team played their first match on March 30. They won 3-0 with flying colors, even though there were a few unsettled situations (when the defense is not positioned correctly, usually due to a loose ball) that almost cost us a few goals.
Congratulations to both teams. The Knight’s Tale wishes the lacrosse team the best of luck for the rest of the season.
