US Davis Cup coaches fined $10k over betting sponsorship breach
Tennis legends Bob Bryan and Mardy Fish issued with suspended bans for promoting operator on social media
US tennis stars Bob Bryan and Mardy Fish have been fined $10,000 each and issued with suspended bans of four months by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for breaching rules relating to betting sponsorships.
Bryan and Fish, who are currently serving as coaches on the US Davis Cup team, were found to have promoted the DraftKings sportsbook on social media.
After being confronted by the ITIA, the pair acknowledged the breach, co-operating with the ITIA investigation, and removing their posts immediately.
Speaking about the breach in comments reported by news agency the Associated Press, Fish expressed his regret over his posts.
“Bob and I did a DraftKings promo during the US Open that we were unaware we weren’t allowed to do,” Fish said.
“As soon as we found out, I deleted the posts and cooperated with the ITIA,” he added.
As accredited professionals within the US Davis Cup 2022 coaching team, the duo were considered to be so-called “covered persons” and thereby subject to rules relating to tennis players’ relationship with betting operators.
Specifically, the breach relates to section D.1.b of the 2022 Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) rules, which states that “No covered person shall directly or indirectly, facilitate, encourage and/or promote tennis betting”.
Under ITIA rules, the suspensions will not come into force unless there is a subsequent breach during the four-month period, which began on November 11.
Fish and Bryan have also agreed to work with the ITIA to assist with education and prevention initiatives to highlight the importance of integrity in the game.
The US Tennis Association (USTA) indicated its support for the duo in a statement following publication of the fine and suspended ban.
“The USTA is aware of the ITIA’s fines for Mardy Fish and Bob Bryan. Both Mardy and Bob have our full support,” the US tennis body said.
“As was stated by the ITIA, neither was aware that their actions were in any way a violation of protocols, and when they were made aware immediately and fully cooperated with the ITIA throughout the remainder of the process.
“Mardy and Bob have given so much of their lives to representing and supporting US tennis and we are thankful for their ongoing commitment to growing the game throughout the country,” the USTA added.