Naomi Osaka said she suffers from depression and, as such, she didn’t want to participate in mandatory press conferences during the French Open.
Naomi Osaka said she suffers from depression and, as such, she didn’t want to participate in mandatory press conferences during the French Open.
The French Open and all Grand Slam officials held strong and insisted, fining Osaka for not participating. Osaka said no more, and withdrew from the competition.
What can American business leaders learn from this? Well, let’s pretend that Osaka is your employee. Could you require her to participate or fire her? (Businesses don’t fine employees, as a general rule.)
The answer should be no. But, the real answer is maybe. Here’s why.
To keep reading, click here: Naomi Osaka Should Be a Strong ADA Reminder for Employers
Interestingly, the organizers of the Open claim that they ‘care about the well being of their athletes.’ while fining her $15000 for daring to care about her health. The French Open wouldn’t have done that if she had broken her leg on the court, or had torn a tendon or hamstring and had to miss a media interview. They effectively sanctioned her for a medical condition that actually have nothing to do with…like, her skills that make her famous. While I am unclear on the validity of the fine – (did she break a contract or agreement of some kind? wtf is happening here) and she had told them ahead of time – are they honestly saying that one athlete of many missing a post game conference set them back so much?
If she was that bad off in a depression, she couldn’t give an interview if she was there anyway. Actually it would be a disaster.