People on Social Media Are Upset That Human Person Serena Williams Beat out a Horse for Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year
Serena Williams takes her rightful place on the throne as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year. Photo: Sports Illustrated
It seems like anytime Serena Williams accomplishes anything, there is a certain segment of the population that simply can’t handle it. And the age-old story played out on social media today as Sports Illustrated announced the tennis pro as their Sportsperson of the Year.
Though she did not win the Grand Slam, Serena’s been everywhere in 2015 and continues to thrive as one of the greatest athletes around. In spite of her loss against Roberta Vinci at the U.S. open, Serena has had an amazing year and should be recognized for it. Still, some sports fans feel Williams is not deserving – at least not over American Pharoah, the race horse that won the popular vote in a poll of SI readers. Williams didn’t get nearly as much of the vote as American Pharoah, but it looks like popularity amongst Sports Illustrated readers was not the only thing taken into consideration in awarding the title. Enraged, American Pharoah supporters took to social media to express their outrage.
Very disappointed to see Sport’s Illustrated editors ignored the fans vote, and chose Serena Williams over American Pharoah - Article coming
— Brian Zipse (@Zipseatthetrack)
Sorry SI. #AmericanPharoah was more accomplished this year than Serena & he had the biggest impact on his sport in 40 years.He was deserving
— Bob Ehalt (@BobEhalt)
(2/2) disappointed that #AmericanPharoah the only nominee to actually win a #GRANDSLAM didn’t get it. Why promote online poll? @SInow
— Ashley Zayat (@AshleyZayat8)
@jazz3162 @SInow Hey SI this is what Pharoah and all his fans think of your choice. #haters pic.twitter.com/UDmyA3NNq0
— Tonya Moore (@onemoore)
@SInow you lost many fans with un-sportsmanlike behavior ignoring people’s votes. How did you arrive at SW as the winner? #AmericanPharoah
— Grovegal (@LoisSmithers)
Of course, fans of Serena were quick to come to her defense, pointing out that though American Pharoah did get a nomination, he is, after all, a horse and not a person, so perhaps choosing an exceptional human sports figure – who is still ranked number one in her field – was more appropriate.
@BreeNewsome Even setting that debate aside, the award is sportsperson, and the horse is not a person.
— Jesse Kennemer (@JesseKenn)
Wait, STOP it! lol Are we really going to start an “All Horse Matters” campaign for sportsPERSON of the year? #AmericanPharoah #Serena
— Wilkine Brutus (@wilkinebrutus)
you’re awesome serena, and if anyone tells you otherwise send them my way and i’ll kick them where it hurts. https://t.co/EGlnja9PGI
— drew olanoff (@drew)
@Zipseatthetrack pic.twitter.com/NdOfPucIDC
— #JusticeForTamirRice (@essdotX)
Serena Williams’ Sports Illustrated cover is how I want to pose for all photos from now on. Throne mandatory.
— Kristi McNair (@cocoakristis)
Some sports fans weren’t so much upset with Serena getting the title and more disappointed that she is presented in such a risqué manner on the cover, casually and seductively lounging on a gilded throne in nary but a black lace bodysuit and black pumps. But it turns out, the sexy shot was all Serena’s doing: ”The cover shot of this issue? Her idea, intended, like the Pirelli shots, to express her own ideal of femininity, strength, power,” Sports Illustrated explained.
So that settles that. Serena Williams continues to dominate, people continue to be mad and she continues to be excellent, beautiful and unbothered. “For @SportsIllustrated to recognize my hard work, my dedication, and my sheer determination gives me hope to continue on and do better,” she said in a post to her Instagram page. “As I always say, it takes a village it’s not just one person. This is not just an accomplishment for me, but for my whole team. I am beyond honored. I love you guys! 2016?”
We can’t wait to see what’s next for Serena in the new year.
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