http://sports.yahoo.com/oly/news?slug=reu-basketballyaodc&prov=reuters&type=lgns China's Yao Ming May Retire from Internationals By Alan Crosby ATHENS (Reuters) - Dejected after another disappointing international basketball performance in a loss to Spain at the Olympic Games Sunday, China's Yao Ming said he was considering cutting short his national team career. China came into the Olympic tournament with high hopes resting mainly on the broad shoulders of the 23-year-old 7-foot-6 center. But the team, which has enlisted the help of long-time NBA coach Del Harris, failed badly in its first outing, getting thoroughly outplayed by the Spaniards in an 83-59 loss. "I feel so disappointed. I lost all my hopes for this team. We changed our skin, but we are the same. Just like the world championships in Indianapolis two years ago," a visibly upset Yao told reporters after the game. Yao has blossomed into a major international figure since joining the NBA's Houston Rockets in 2002 and China selected him to carry the flag during the Olympic opening ceremony. But team results during Yao's international career have fallen short, with China finishing a disappointing 10th at the Sydney Games, followed by a 12th place at the world championship in 2002. "I didn't play well either. I am thinking about retiring from the national team. Not now, but soon I will. In Indianapolis I was the youngest player, now I am an elder, but still there is no hope for us." China play their next game Tuesday against New Zealand. (Editing by Dave Thompson; Reuters Messaging: alan.crosby.reuters.com@reuters.net))
In my opinion Yao is just frutrated after having such high expectations this year. Would China even let Yao retire from International competition? I didn't even think it was Yao's choice.
Yao Ming, now what's your thoughts on the money and time that you dedicated to Chinese Basketball Association? They are WASTED. Just follow Wang, quit from that shameless team.
He just want to shake up the rest of the team. I'm sure the next match of the CNT will not be the same as this one!
Yao is going to defect and play for a winner..........Puerto Rico!! I can see him getting his PR flag do-rag on right now....
Well technically this isn't a pot and kettle situation because one of the guys weren't hypocritically calling out the other guy. And didn't Hakeem try to force a trade by sitting out some games or something. Sometimes, you just want to leave a bad situation. But the bottom line is that this was just a blowup by Yao and he's just letting off some steam. If Yao does quit the National Team, then he better defect because China would be beyond royally pissed at their best player not playing in the 2008 games.
Can he retire from the NT? If so, does it have any effect on his contract with the Rockets, doesn't China still own his rights?
First of all, the translation is not accurate in my opinion. Yao's emotion is a little bit out of control right after the game, and he has too much pressure now. So don't count it too seriously.
