The tournament director of the prestigious Miami Open has been fined more than $50,000 and issued with a suspended ban for violating rules relating to betting sponsorship.
James Blake, who is also a former professional player, has been hit with a financial penalty of $56,250 with a further suspended fine of $131,250 and a suspended ban of 18 months by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). Due to his status as a tournament director, the American is considered as a ‘covered person’ who must abide by the sports rules regarding betting. An official press release confirmed that the 44-year-old fully cooperated with the investigation and did not contest the charge against him.
The ITIA has ruled that Blake’s violation was unintentional and he will not be suspended unless he breaks another rule within the 18-month period, which started on February 9th this year. According to the official rulebook, it is stated that “No Covered Person shall directly or indirectly, facilitate, encourage and/or promote Tennis Betting (‘Facilitation’).”
“Across our members – the ATP, WTA, ITF and Grand Slams – the rules prohibit accredited individuals from having commercial relationships with betting companies,’ Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA, said in a statement.
“This case is more a matter of perception, rather than corruption. The rules apply to players, coaches, officials and accredited tournament staff – who all have the ability to influence results or have access to inside information.
“We urge anyone in the sport who is unclear or is considering commercial deals like this to get in touch with us to seek guidance.”
Blake has been head of the Miami Open since 2018. A mixed Tour-level event that is classed as a Masters 1000 for men and as a WTA 1000 for women. As a player, he reached a ranking high of No.4 and won 10 ATP titles. He is also a three-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist.
There is yet to be any public comment from Blake regarding his fine. The Miami Open will get underway next month.
