Serena's ($82,500) Fine

Serena Williams has been fined a record $82,500 for behaving badly at this year's U.S. Open. I have video. This was during the Women's Singles Semi Finals. The fault brought her to match point against Kim Clijsters. The ensuing tirade cost her another point - match point.

She was also put on probation. If she steps out of line in the future, the fine could jump to $175,000. It could have been worse, she could have been suspended - that's where the real money is!

There's a lesson to be learned here. Most of us will never play in the U.S. Open, but I believe you can learn a lot about a person by the way he or she talks to....say...a waitress, or a tennis line judge.

Serena, you've still got a few bucks. Buy some class.