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FollowITF Suspends Ilie Nastase For Unacceptable Behavior
Many do not remember Ilie Nastase as a player. For those who do not, he was a very talented player who logged some tremendous wins during his career but was known as much for his antics on and off the court. One of the original bad boys of the sport, his actions during his playing days might possibly have made bad boy John McEnroe blush at times.
However, the actions of the last week by the 70-year old crossed the line in a big way. Earlier in the week, he made derogatory comments about the color of Serena Williams' unborn baby. But he doubled-down on that during Fed Cup action against Great Britain. After taking criticism about his Williams remarks, Nastase verbally abused the Fed Cup referee, the British team and the media. His actions left Brit Johanna Konta in tears on the court.
Nastase was forced out of the tie and was ultimately suspended by the ITF.
“Under the terms of the provisional suspension, Nastase may not participate in the Fed Cup in any capacity with immediate effect and shall be denied access to, and accreditation for, any ITF event including Fed Cup,” the ITF said in a statement.
In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Nastase showed no remorse for his verbal attack of Konta and British captain Anne Keothavong. “I don’t regret it and they can send me to prison if they want - I don’t care,” he said. “I’m invited to Wimbledon every year by the All England club - it’s a special day. They probably won’t invite me this year but I don’t care really. I was just trying to promote the interest of my girl.