Once Again, McEnroe Is Fined; Once Again, McEnroe Is Sorry

John McEnroe, as usual, was in the middle of a controversy here Friday.

After making his doubles debut at the French Open with new partner Andre Agassi, McEnroe criticized the Grand Slam tournament committee for fining him this week.

McEnroe, who lost in singles Tuesday to Nicklas Kulti of Sweden, was fined $7,500 for swearing. Officials are further considering suspending him from the tour and fining him up to $100,000, since his outburst was heard on television.

“They easily could have looked the other way,” McEnroe said. “I didn’t know the microphones were on.”

McEnroe, who has moved to the broadcast booth as a color commentator for network television covering the tournament, said microphones should be turned off between points.

“I would like to see tennis not considered sort of different than other sports, like American football, or hockey or baseball,” he said.

He added that he had not said anything different from what most athletes say between breaks when they vent frustration. McEnroe said he directed his comment at one person.

“I wish it hadn’t happened,” he said. “Hopefully, I can be forgiven.”