Brownsville Team Defaults Over Lack of One Player
By: Jorge Salinas
The Harlingen Men's 3.5 tennis team won their Match on May 13th against the Brownsville #2 team after a heated argument over proper rules and USTA procedures. Everything started normally, and I even had a chance to warm up with the opposing (Brownsville) team without incident. Once the lineups were exchanged; however, Brownsville realized they were a player short, were not allowed to make changes, and the fireworks would begin.
Joey Sermino, captain of the Harlingen team, explained to them that once the lineups were exchanged, changes could not be made to that lineup because their players did not show. Brownsville had a player missing from their #3 doubles; and, according to USTA rules, would have to default that court. The Brownsville team did not want to do that and insisted that their #2 singles player default that position, but still be allowed to play #3 doubles.
I was in the middle of a conversation when Sam Martinez yelled, "Hey, Co-captain! Joey needs you over there, man. It's getting heated!". I saw that he was surrounded by a very hostile opposing team; and, although I really did not want to get involved in an argument, walked over to the far court to see if I could bring some peace. I failed.
As I walked up, Joey walked away. C.D., their co-captain, addressed me and explained the situation calmly. Two of his team mates were beyond control and were spouting profanely against my captain and my team. One in particular was livid and insulting - although he told me he had nothing against me personally. At this point, Joey returned and tried to get the match started, although the entire Brownsville team was in an uproar at the time.
A different Brownsville team member was very agressive and looked tempted to hit Joey with his racket. I made sure that he saw me standing behind Joey and he put his racket down. He did, however, square off against Joey and was literally "nose to nose" with him daring him to get physical. That type of confrontation, thankfully, did not happen.
A call was made to Barry Jones, and he explained the rules to both captains. I apologized to the Brownsville team and told them that they were already in Harlingen and we should just play some tennis; but, by this time, they were too far gone in their anger. Powers proceeded to insult my captain and I explained to him that calling him the name that he did was ok if I did it because he was MY team mate. However, if he wanted to continue to be insulting, he might want to take a look at the Harlingen bench - which was about to clear and get physical.
The Brownsville team apologized to me, but insulted my team by saying that we were afraid of them because they had beaten the McAllen Country Club team and they had beaten us last week. I and the rest of the Harlingen team reminded them that we had beaten them the past couple of times. And so, they left dejected and told me they were defaulting the match.
In hindsight, maybe the situation could have been handled without it having to escalate to that level. However, Brownsville could have still played; and we gave them every opportunity to play. I realize that men act like they are in junior high school and throw tantrums they later regret, but this does not promote tennis and is not what the USTA had in mind when it created league play. In my opinion, Brownsville should have stayed and played. I understand they did not like that Harlingen was enforcing the rules and that they were brought to their attention in a way they did not enjoy; but, come on!...we could have still played.
And so, I take advantage of my position as webmaster to do a couple of things. First I want to apologize to the Brownsville team for the embarrasing situation that should not have happened. Second, I want to chastize Brownsville for escalating the way they did. Third, I want to say that although I did say, "You guys should drink alot of beer before you play us!", it was in obvious jest that I said those words. Luckily no punches were thrown or the police would have been called and realized that intoxication probably played a part. Fourth, I know that I am supposed to report neutrally; however, I am a proud member of the Harlingen team. If you insult my captain and my team mates...you insult me! So, I am going to take advantage of this website to address the Brownsville team.
A couple of you went too far when you called us cowards by saying that we were afraid of losing to you. To begin with, we were not going to face you with our strongest lineup. We have beaten you twice before and we are in first place, so what possible reason would we have to be afraid of you?!? The USTA made league not for us old guys to act like we are playing at Wimbledon, but to get out there and have fun. I am sorry that you had tonight's experience at our club, but insulting us in our own house in front of our families??? Maybe it WAS best that you guys went home.
