The sports world is abuzz with the accusations of match fixing in tennis, along with potential ties to the gambling underworld. Right now, there are compelling accusations but little to no verifiable facts. In the not knowing, damage is done.

Tennis is now faced with circumstances that will cause fans and the world to question every upset, extended time out, and withdrawal with suspicion. Under that veil of suspicion, innocent bystanders are suffering in the company of those that may be culpable.

Perhaps the most significant damage is that kids growing up with affection for tennis may see a side of sport that does not align with their beliefs:  beliefs that have been instilled by parents and coaches, the very people they look up to. Tennis has already struggled with the impression that it has not been an inclusive sport, and not a sport where anyone with talent and hard work can succeed. Now there is another crack in the innocent belief in a fair game where hard work reaps success. The idea that the good guys and gals win is in question. When faced with conflicting messages of fairness, kids may turn away. This is a potentially alarming development.

For the tennis industry, it is time to recognize that any tolerance of foul play, be it intended or unintended, will be harshly judged by fans, the media, and the players. If there are cracks in the foundation, now is the time to find and seal them. Anything less is to risk irreparable damage. Tennis, probably more than other sports, attracts fans and players who want to be part of something civilized, exciting, artful, and even honorable.

Tennis has the reputation of honor, and it is a compelling reason why the sport draws crowds. Make no mistake, the crowds drive profits. No one wants to sponsor an event with no viewership. If fans stop believing, they may turn away more quickly than other sports fans would. The value of trust is not easily quantified in dollars, but once lost the cost can be immense. It is up to the governing bodies to secure the future of the sport by doing the right thing now. Deal with the cheaters if they are there, and put measures in place to prevent and expose future problems.

We live in a world where right and wrong coexist with unfair circumstances. Tennis is not immune to the impact of spoilers who will do anything for the love of power and money. But this reality does not spoil the game. The strokes, rallies, tiebreaks, elegant drop shots, and memories are alive. The majority of players on the tour love the sport and play it from the heart.

For fans, the people, temperaments, and personalities that we have grown to know and love are still on court. The four-hour finals still happened. The heart of the game remains. The hardest part now is the not knowing. Fans are asking themselves, “Is my favorite involved? The one I've been supporting all along? Have I been fooled somehow?” Players are also on edge in the midst of a Grand Slam with this unwelcome distraction, which also makes for unfair circumstances.

Why not have faith and believe in players doing the right thing? Let tennis be innocent until proven guilty. Fans can express their concern if and when facts arise and vote with their fan dollars and voices on social media. They can reinforce the expectation that tennis must uphold an honor code.

Fans and players anxiously await facts from the accusers. If foul play is proven, action in both the tennis and the legal realms on par with the Lance Armstrong saga seems appropriate. It may take a while, but cheaters eventually get caught. In the meantime, let's not throw out or forget all the good that tennis has to offer. Now the burden rests with the accusers.