With the U.S. Open now in full swing, tennis officials no longer have to worry about the $20 million case of a black umpire who alleged they were “deliberately indifferent” to racism in the sport.

The United States Tennis Association has reached an “amicable settlement” with Cecil Hollins, a USTA spokesman said, resolving a discrimination case that wasn't likely to enhance tennis's reputation for inclusiveness.

Hollins was once the only black among the 30 or so top-rated “gold badge” umpires employed by the USTA and the International Federation of Tennis. He sued both organizations in August 2005 after being demoted and then fired.

The case was still in the discovery stage when lawyers filed a notice of dismissal Aug. 28 -– opening day of the U.S. Open. The settlement also covers the claims of co-plaintiff Sande French, a black woman who alleged her career as a tennis umpire was derailed because of racism and sexism.

In the complaint, Hollins asked that he be “returned to his exalted status as an umpire.” But USTA spokesman Chris Widmaier said, “I don't think he is [an umpire] at the moment.”

By Matthew Heller
9/2/06