He’s Told to Resign Over Obscenities : Posh London Tennis Club Swears Off McEnroe

John McEnroe has been asked to resign his honorary membership from the prestigious Queen’s Club after members complained that he swore at them when asked to vacate a court during this year’s Wimbledon championships, officers of the club said today.

The temperamental American was practicing on the courts at Queen’s Club during last month’s Wimbledon tournament when the incident occurred, said club secretary Jonathan Edwards.

McEnroe, who lost his Wimbledon title in the semi-finals, was on the wrong court and several women members, including the wife of a former club chairman, Sheila Boden, pointed this out to him, Edwards told reporters.

There was an exchange of remarks, and Edwards said McEnroe “unleashed a stream of unprintable invectives aimed at various members.”

Press reports at the time said Boden was “shaken rigid” by McEnroe’s words.

“As a result of the incident, the members who suffered this verbal abuse wrote to complain to the committee,” Edwards said.

McEnroe’s father, John McEnroe Sr., declined comment, saying his son was on the road and could not be reached.

Edwards said McEnroe was told of the complaint a week after the incident, and in accordance with club regulations was given a “reasonable opportunity” to give an explanation for his behavior.

The club has received no reply from McEnroe, said Edwards, and as a result he has been asked to resign.