Another reason to wonder about the reports is that they have been given the widest circulation by the National Enquirer, which has not altogether established itself as the exemplar of truth. Some circumstantial evidence exists, but not a shred of proof. Rumors immediately spread that pa decided Venus had to win. Then Venus forfeited just 10 minutes before she was scheduled to play Serena in Indian Wells, Calif., last week, and 'round went the rumors again. If they're making enough money, it doesn't matter to some of them if they become pariahs in the locker room.
Players can get away with a lot with tournament promoters.
And they can get a away with a lot with the media, too. Buchholz is a great businessman. Buchholz is so honest he tends to see the best in everyone. But even he appears to believe that Venus and Serena had better remove their father's foot from their necks, or at least remove its influence. But when you do don't play your best, if you don't play your best . . .'' He shakes his head in disbelief at the mere idea that papa would decide which sister wins intrafamily matches.