IOC seeks explanation from Russian member Tarpischev over comments on Williams sisters

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Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpischev talks during the official ceremony after the final match at the Kremlin Cup tennis tournament in Moscow in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014. Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpischev has been fined 5,000 by the WTA Tour and suspended from tour involvement for a year for questioning Venus and Serena Williams\' gender in comments on Russian television. The WTA Tour said Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, that the 5,000 fine is the maximum allowed under tour rules and that it is seeking Tarpischev\'s removal as chairman of the Kremlin Cup tournament for one year. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The International Olympic Committee is asking Russian member Shamil Tarpischev for a “full explanation” of his comments about Venus and Serena Williams that led to him being fined and suspended by the women’s tennis tour.

Tarpischev, head of the Russian tennis federation, was fined $25,000 and banned from the WTA Tour for a year after referring to the Williams sisters as “brothers” and saying they were “scary” to look at.

Tarpischev, who made the comments on a Russian television talk show, denied any “malicious intent” and said his quotes had been taken out of context.

The Russian has been an IOC member since 1994.

The IOC says it “will directly contact Mr. Tarpischev to ask him for a full explanation of his comments.”

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