Ive always said Racism isnt a subject I'd go into on a forum...but I couldnt help myself in this case. Firstly let me say I live in Sydney Australia...just to let you know where Im coming from. There is an Article on the ESPN web site in the "Page 2" section that suggest racism may be the reason behind so many people having ill feelings towards the current USA mens team Here is the link (Hope its works): http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=whitlock/040826 Now for me....I never really thought about the racial makeup of the USA team at the Olympics. I realise the USA basketball team is copping alot of flack back home....but does it really have anything to do with their race? You dont hear the same criticism of the womens Basketball squad do you? In my opinions, the criticism of the Mens basketball team isnt about race at all. Here's why... Back when the Original Dream Team was formed EVERYONE loved them. A top class side, they played the game with alot of flair, the SMASHED opponents left, right and center....but that did it with class. The Atlanta team once again was a GREAT side. They beat everyone up....playing better opposition....but they had alot of class about them. But something happened after that. The Dream team went from a bunch of great players.....to a bunch of very good players with an attitude problem. The antics of the likes of Vince Carter turned alot of people off. We went from loving this group of brilliant athletes, to hating the idea that these young, arrogant players treating the game with disrespect were going to walk away with the medal. With the Original Dream team and Dream team 2....you didnt have to be American, or even a basketball fan to enjoy their games. But all of a sudden....it become VERY difficult to go for the trash talking millionare who was beating up on lesser opponents and acting like he was a god in the process! Then a funny thing happened. These lesser opponents....they started to play some damn good basketball. They started to push the USA team.....then they started to beat them! Ofcourse...people loved this. For the same reason we loved seeing the Pistons beat the Lakers....these international teams worked VERY hard, kepts coming back from massive loss after massive loss....they kept improving and they gave us a great show in the proccess. Thats leads into what we have today. International sides are playing very attractive basketball. These are teams we've grown up with....seeing them getting belted. Now, they are playing well, they are playing within the spirit of the games and we're anjoying the class they bring to the competition. Watching the USA team....You see alot of great athletes, some guys that are working hard, others that arent happy because they are not the star, a poorly put togeather side, a whinging coach, poor shooting....it's a mix that would turn off any fan of any sporting team no matter what the colour of their skin was! My hope for the next USA Basketball team that is selected is that players are picked on attitude, their ability to adapt to the international style of game, their willingness to step into a smaller role and, last but not least, their willingness to play the game in the spirit its ment to be played in. The USA team isnt just representing the USA....its representing everything that is supposed to be good about basketball. I think fans todays are just dissapointed that that is no longer the case. Anyway thats my opinion, I'd be interested to see what others think. Christopher
