Serena Williams vs. American Pharoah: The Sports Illustrated fallout

    By Chris Murphy, CNN

    Updated 1840 GMT (0240 HKT) December 16, 2015

    Serena Williams has been crowned Sports Illustrated (SI) Sportsperson of the Year after a 2015 in which she won three grand slam singles titles to take her tally to 21, and lost only three times in 53 matches. But her victory hasn't been well received by everyone.
    Photos: Serena Williams vs American Pharoah
    Serena Williams has been crowned Sports Illustrated (SI) Sportsperson of the Year after a 2015 in which she won three grand slam singles titles to take her tally to 21, and lost only three times in 53 matches. But her victory hasn't been well received by everyone.
    Hide Caption
    1 of 6
    Some sports fans are distraught that racehorse American Pharoah didn't take the prize after winning the Triple Crown in the United States. The three-year-old also won the prestigious Breeders' Cup in his last ever race to round off a stellar season.
    Photos: Serena Williams vs American Pharoah
    Some sports fans are distraught that racehorse American Pharoah didn't take the prize after winning the Triple Crown in the United States. The three-year-old also won the prestigious Breeders' Cup in his last ever race to round off a stellar season.
    Hide Caption
    2 of 6