Talk About Tennis 2.0

I was not expecting that from Collins.

I don't blame any player, particularly one Tien's age, for not wanting to speak on the issue.

And a question that is not needed at a press conference of a sporting event.

I agree with both sentiments, but as someone who deals with male athletes in my job, it stuns me how right wing almost all of the non-black players are in every sport. The question was inappropriate, but perhaps unfairly, I'm afraid Tien is another right-wing zealot. The fact his coach is fundamentalist Christian may color my view, too.

I disagree that this is not appropriate for a media interview at a sports event. I find this to be a very valid and almost necessary topic to address with a public figure representing a country internationally at a time that country's government is committing criminal acts. I think it's within their full right not to answer, especially in a situation that may lead to safety concerns or other forms of retaliation (from fans or the government), but it is a journalistic duty to ask.

America is certainly a place where you’re either on one side or the other. The sides are clearly good vs evil. I’m fine knowing which side a player is on.

I don't think it is that easy. And, you are saying it: If Tien answers one way, he is evil/good in some people's book. Answer the other, he is evil/good in the same book, but reversed.
I don't know if I would want to be categorized that way.

ponchi101 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 28, 2026 4:36 pm I don't think it is that easy. And, you are saying it: If Tien answers one way, he is evil/good in some people's book. Answer the other, he is evil/good in the same book, but reversed.
I don't know if I would want to be categorized that way.

Yes, both sides work the same way. (though one side is more prone to violence)
Me personally, I feel if you don't want to discuss something unpleasant you're likely to be on the wrong side of that unpleasantness. Kinda like how maga/gop men on dating sites often say they "don't pay attention" to politics because they know it decreases their chances. mmmhmm.

As someone who was married to an immigrant Tien is in a no win situation. His family is from Viet Nam I think and many of the groups that assisted in their immigration to the US were fundamentalist (so called) Christians who didn't see any problems with passing their beliefs onto the people they helped immigrate. I saw this first hand in my now deceased husband's family so I have a little experience to bring to the topic. It's useless to try and present a different perspective to them.

MAGAts in professional sports are going to have to start having their people do what the PR people for celebrities do and tell reporters what they can and can't ask. Other wise more and more situations like this will arise.

There should be no surprise about many non black or brown athletes being right wing, especially in tennis where many of them come from wealthy familes and were raised in exclusive Country Club environments. Lack of liberal arts education also plays a part.

Tien grew up in Irvine CA. Irvine is in Orange County in Southern California. Orange County is called the Orange Curtain because of how conservatively they vote there. There's also a bunch of those Mega Church cults all over Orange County. I think Michael Chang is part of one of those cults too.

I 0% blame John there and am impressed he didn't blow up more.

What surprises me most is someone posted the whole video and not just the last 5 seconds.