Bad tennis star Boris Becker (54) is assigned to prison to teach sports science to fellow inmates. But his swift promotion to the coveted position prompted other colleagues to write letters of protest to the warden. “It’s not the luxurious life he’s used to, but he’s better off than most prisoners.”
Why is Baker in prison? Watch it in this video:
Three-time Wimbledon champion Becker was sentenced to two and a half years in prison in April for concealing £2.5m. He did this to avoid debt after declaring his bankruptcy. To occupy himself during that prison time, Baker teaches physical education and diet to his fellow inmates. But now comment on that.
You usually only get a job as a class assistant years later, because it’s seen as a privilege. But Baker got the job within weeks of his conviction.
“You usually only get a job as a class assistant years later, because it’s seen as a privilege,” says a fellow prisoner. “But Baker got the job within weeks of his conviction.” Another inmate said, “It’s not the luxury he’s used to, but he’s better off than most prisoners.”
No ankle bracelet
These statements are disputed by the government. “It is not correct to suggest that preferential treatment has been given,” the UK Prison Service said, “All prisoners in prison have access to a variety of employment and training opportunities.”
The former tennis star is threatening automatic deportation at the end of his sentence in Great Britain. Although he should serve half his sentence anyway, because as a foreign prisoner he is not entitled to an electronic ankle bracelet. Becker himself hopes to return to his native Germany by November at the latest under the government’s early deportation programme. Becker believes he could then be released into society before Christmas under Germany’s softer penal system.
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