Why do so many of the world’s sports stars who aspire to be role models for today’s kids insist on behaving badly when the evidence is all on film?

The latest disgrace was Serena Williams in the US Open final last weekend: not for the three legitimate code violations earned, but the pathetic attempt to justify them.

First citing the fact she has a daughter - what does that have to do with anything?

Then adopting the classic response of a politician caught out of their depth in a debate, playing the sexism card.

If those backing her claims want to endorse a trend of excuses, blaming officials and pandering to the corporations that want big names promoted at the expense of the game’s integrity then they should buy an English football club.

True role models take responsibility for their actions and accept the consequences instead of stealing the limelight from a new champion just to stir up a feminist crusade.

Even after the heat of the moment had passed, which is understandable, she was still adamant the umpire was at fault.

Claiming male players who receive coaching, smash racquets or call the umpire a liar and a thief won’t receive the same code violations? You cannot be serious, Serena.

Dr Scott Marmion,

Woodthorpe, York