Tension and controversy surrounding Justin Gimelstob has been mounting among the ATP players, some maintaining staunch support, with others publicly calling for his exit. Today, Gimelstob put that controversy to rest with his resignation – effective immediately.<\/p>\n
In an interview with the New York Times<\/a>, Gimelstob stated \u201cI\u2019m stepping down because my job is to work on the sport\u2019s behalf and the players\u2019 behalf, and in my situation I\u2019ve become too much of a distraction and a liability. I take responsibility for that, and I take responsibility for the mistakes I made Halloween night.\u201d<\/p>\n On Halloween 2018, Gimelstob attacked former friend Randall Kaplan, repeatedly striking him in the head \u2013 while his wife and young child watched in terror. Gimelstob maintains that he was antagonized by Kaplan\u2019s insults of his father who had recently died. Kaplan told the court he thought Gimelstob would kill him.<\/p>\n On April 22 Gimelstob entered a no contest plea. Presiding judge Upinder S. Kalra reduced the felony battery charge to a misdemeanor and sentenced Gimelstob to three years probation, 60 days of community service, and 52 weeks of anger management sessions.<\/p>\n While the criminal ordeal may have come to an end, a civil suit remains largely possible.<\/p>\n So, who will fill the seat which Justin Gimelstob has held for more than a decade? The person elected will serve as Americas region representative, with a three-year term beginning January 1, 2020. The 10-man Player Council is slated to vote on May 14, during the Masers 1000 tournament in Rome. \u00a0Brad Gilbert announced his candidacy via Twitter, with his tweet stating \u201cAbsolutely committed to running for the position on the @ATP_Tour Board as the Americas representative. Benn involved with the ATP since 1981. Time to step up for better prize money, jobs, schedules and leadership. Looking forward to speaking with all the player representatives (emojis).\u201d<\/p>\n Other candidates (in alphabetical order) include:<\/p>\n From this list, it\u2019s clear that there\u2019s no move to diminish the multiple roles a single person may play in the world of tennis.\u00a0 Obviously, multiple roles may pose a conflict of interest.<\/p>\n It is still undecided who will serve as the Executive Chairman & President. In March, it was announced that Chris Kermode\u2019s contract would not be renewed<\/a>. Speculation included Justin Gimelstob ascending to that position.<\/p>\n In a phone interview from Spain, Gimelstob told the New York Times<\/a> \u201cI am committed to working on myself, dealing with the challenges in my personal life, and better equipping myself with the tools to handle the pain of losing my father and the ongoing litigation for equal custody of the most important thing in my life, my son\u201d. Gimelstob has long served as a commentator for The Tennis Channel. Perhaps we\u2019ll see Justin back in the booth in Madrid?<\/p>\n Main Photo:The Controversy<\/strong><\/h5>\n
ATP Tour Board of Directors Vacant Seat<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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What\u2019s Next for Justin Gimelstob<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>