Sports Illustrated announced Monday morning that tennis star Serena Williams would be its “Sportsperson of the Year” for 2015. In many ways she is a worthy choice—she logged her 700th career victory this year, and was ranked the number one tennis player in the world for the second year in a row (and the fifth year overall). She came close to a Grand Slam before losing to Roberta Vinci at the US Open.
Some, however, were angry that American Pharaoh did not receive the honor. The thoroughbred, who won horse racing’s “Grand Slam” (the Triple Crown and the Breeder’s Cup) this year, was the favorite in Sports Illustrated‘s online readers’ poll, winning 47 percent of the vote.
One writer on a horse racing fansite penned a whole article about American Pharaoh’s worthiness, and many other fans on Twitter deplored Sports Illustrated’s decision:
Very disappointed to see Sport's Illustrated editors ignored the fans vote, and chose Serena Williams over American Pharoah – Article coming
— Brian Zipse (@Zipseatthetrack) December 14, 2015
Should've given it to the damn horse. https://t.co/aLHQN3HGou
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) December 14, 2015
Total BS @SInow @SITimLayden Why have a poll if you totally ignore it? Serena FAILED at winning the Grand Slam. AP once in a lifetime horse
— Justin Zayat (@JustinZayat) December 14, 2015
I have the utmost respect for Serena Williams but as far as the year 2015 is concerned AP was by far and away the best @jazz3162 @SInow
— Julie Witt (@juliawitte9) December 14, 2015
#AmericanPharoah
this seems like pandering – It was the Year of the Woman in Sports so they had to find a women good enough to give it to— Owen's Staff (@OwenTheTonk) December 14, 2015
Most other users, however, sarcastically pointed out that it wouldn’t really make sense to name American Pharaoh “Sportsperson of the Year,” since the horse wouldn’t understand the honor:
They should have added some trolling by having Serena ride a horse on the SI cover.
— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) December 14, 2015
https://twitter.com/AP_Holmes/status/676442807347884032
https://twitter.com/TheJimmyAdams/status/676442766839123969
Reporter: American Pharoah will you comment on Serena Williams winning an Award for Humans over you a horse?
AP: Nay— James Forde (@TheJamesForde) December 14, 2015
They can just tell American Pharoah that he won. He's a horse, he won't know the difference
— Jake Rapoport (@steaker) December 14, 2015
https://twitter.com/owillis/status/676425068671537152
https://twitter.com/caulkthewagon/status/676412424392728576
https://twitter.com/JulieDiCaro/status/676409771927449601
Looks like after a couple hours of Horse Twitter, most people want it to go back in the barn.
