The Associated Press
LONDON Ÿ American Jeff Tarango was suspended from two Grand Slam tournaments and fined an additional $28,256 Tuesday for his outburst at Wimbledon last month.
The sanctions, announced by the International Tennis Federation's Grand Slam Committee, are believed to be the toughest ever imposed against a player.
The committee found Tarango guilty of ''aggravated behavior and conduct contrary to the integrity of the game.''
Tarango stormed off the court following a dispute with French chair umpire Bruno Rebeuh during a third-round match against Alexander Mronz on July 1.
Tarango called Rebeuh ''the most corrupt official in the game'' and the player's French wife, Benedicte, slapped the umpire twice in the face.
At a Wimbledon news conference, Tarango accused Rebeuh of showing favoritism to certain players in exchange for their friendship.
Tarango was fined $15,500 at the time. Tuesday's additional fine brings the total sum to $43,756, which officials said was the highest ever.
In addition, the Grand Slam Committee said Tarango was suspended from next year's Wimbledon, as well as from the next Grand Slam event occurring after his appeal is concluded.
The statement said Tarango has already confirmed that he intends to appeal, making him eligible to play in the upcoming U.S. Open.
He is expected to miss the Australian Open in January.
Officials said it was believed to be the first time a player had been suspended from a Grand Slam tournaments.
Tarango did not receive the maximum penalty, which could have been a fine of up to $200,000 and a three-year ban from one or more Grand Slam tournaments.
In addition to the ITF punishments, Tarango still faces possible separate sanctions from the ATP Tour. On Tuesday, a spokesman for the ATP Tour said it has yet to complete its investigation.