| Williams faulted, but jury finds no love for promoters
Venus and Serena Williams embraced. Their attorneys and those who represented their father hugged and smiled broadly. Although a Palm Beach County jury on Thursday said Richard Williams breached a contract and committed fraud, jurors awarded no money to two would-be promoters. The pair spent more than five weeks trying to convince the jury they deserved millions from the famous family for reneging on an agreement to participate in a "battle of the sexes" tennis match. .
Richard Williams found liable, to pay nothing
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Venus and Serena Williams embraced. Their attorneys and those who represented their father hugged and smiled broadly. Although a Palm Beach County jury on Thursday said Richard Williams breached a contract and committed fraud, jurors awarded no money to two would-be promoters who spent more than five weeks trying to convince them they deserved millions from the famous family for reneging on an agreement to participate in a battle of the sexes tennis match. "You ever hear of the expression bagel in tennis? Six-love, Six-love," said attorney David Slutsker, who represented Richard Williams. "They just got bageled. I'm thrilled." Richard Williams was not in court when the verdict was announced after slightly more than four hours of deliberation.
If She Were A Child, I Wouldn't Post This Picture
Venus and Serena Williams are adults, and therefore they're under no legal obligation to do what their father, Richard Williams, says they'll do. That apparently comes as news to two tennis promoters who sued Richard Williams, saying he backed out of a contract to have the sisters take on male tennis players in a Battle of the Sexes event. The promoters technically won their case, although they weren't awarded any damages. But what's most interesting here is that the promoters said a male vs. female tennis match could have made $45 million. That might be high, but I can honestly say that if I could have one dream tennis match for 2007, it would be one of the top female players against a past-his-prime man. Having Venus or Serena take on John McEnroe would be a ratings bonanza, and I'll personally sign on to promote it, as long as Richard Williams agrees.
The Sentinel
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams is liable but doesn't have to pay damages in a lawsuit that claimed he reneged on a deal for his daughters to play in an exhibition match.A jury Thursday cleared Venus Williams of all allegations but said Serena Williams let her father act as an agent for her. Neither sister must pay damages.The Williams sisters expressed relief at the verdict."Venus and I would really like to thank the jury again because they really were able to see the truth in this matter," Serena Williams said.Added Venus Williams: "We're ready to start a new chapter in our lives." Attorney for the Williams' father also said they consider the verdict a victory. .
Williams Sisters' Father Liable in Suit
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams is liable but doesn't have to pay damages in a lawsuit that claimed he reneged on a deal for his daughters to play in an exhibition match.A jury Thursday cleared Venus Williams of all allegations but said Serena Williams let her father act as an agent for her. Neither sister must pay damages.The Williams sisters expressed relief at the verdict."Venus and I would really like to thank the jury again because they really were able to see the truth in this matter," Serena Williams said. Added Venus Williams: "We're ready to start a new chapter in our lives." Attorney for the Williams' father also said they consider the verdict a victory.The dispute centered on whether Richard Williams had authority to commit his daughters to play in a 2001 "Battle of the Sexes" match that never took place.
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