James Blake Fined for Breaching Betting Sponsorship Rules

The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced on Wednesday that it "fined James Blake, the director of the Miami Open, for violating betting sponsorship rules," adding that the violation was not intentional. The statement said that "the former world number four accepted a fine of $56,250, along with a suspended fine of $131,250, and an 18-month suspension, also suspended, after fully cooperating during the investigation." The agency noted: "As the tournament director, Blake is considered a 'covered person' under the rules and must adhere to the sport's regulations regarding relationships with betting companies." Karen Moharhouse, the agency's CEO, stated: "This case primarily concerns a matter of belief, not corruption," and urged anyone in "the sport (tennis) without clear information or considering such business dealings to contact us for advice." Blake was a member of the U.S. team that won the Davis Cup in 2007 and also reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and the US Open.