Sharapova’s confession and dignity a lesson for others

The exemplary fashion with which Maria Sharapova handled her drug-taking crisis could serve as a lesson for the scandal-hit Nok Air (flight cancellations), Thaksin Shinawatra (land-purchase deal) and his sister Yingluck (rice price-pledging scheme). Sharapova showed that sincerity and openness are essential in mitigating damage to one’s career and reputation.

She did not whine or cry for sympathy or blame the system or pass the blame on to her doctors or employees. She confessed, then declared openly that she would accept any penalty and consequences. No scapegoats, no excuses. 

She also “begged” for mercy and a second chance in tennis, possibly so that she could further test Serena Williams’ dominance in their rivalry. (Williams praised her for her courage, in stark contrast to the ridicule dished out by former player Jennifer Capriati.) After that heartfelt plea, I cannot see how any regulatory body could deprive her of that chance.

Songdej Praditsmanont