Bob Hewitt Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Rape: Latest Details and Reaction

Retired tennis player Bob Hewitt was sentenced to six years in a South African prison Monday after being convicted on charges of sexual assault and rape.

According to an Associated Press report (via ESPN.com), Hewitt was given an eight-year jail sentence with two years suspended. The 75-year-old former doubles star was convicted on two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. BBC News notes the events are related to young girls Hewitt coached, one of whom said she was 12 years old at the time.

Themba Hadebe/Associated Press

Charges were brought against Hewitt in 2014 after nearly three years of widespread whispers and allegations. A 2011 investigative piece by Bob Hohler of the Boston Globe is largely credited with bringing Hewitt's misdeeds to the forefront of public consciousness. The investigation found multiple allegations of sexual abuse dating back to the 1970s.  

During his playing career, Hewitt enjoyed Hall of Fame success that included 15 major tournament wins as a doubles player, including several Wimbledon championships. He played with a number of the most high-profile players of the era, including Billie Jean King.

"I don’t feel good about Bob Hewitt," King told Brett Haber of the Washingtonian in 2012. "I played mixed with him. We won the French Open together in 1970. I’m not happy. I am very upset, and he needs to be in jail."

Inducted into the sport's Hall of Fame in 1992, Hewitt remained there for two decades until his suspension amid the allegations in 2012.

Hewitt has maintained his innocence on all charges.

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