http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=1792114 I wish the best players would play. You think if a formal request made by the troops overseas for them to play would change the players minds? If i were a soldier I'd ask them to play for me . Put that patriot "I provide you the blanket of freedom" guilt trip on them. Doesn't really bother me but would be nice to send the best team possible.
Why would the soldiers care? They have more important things to worry about, than whether or not Garnett, Kobe, etc play.
He's getting married. Besides, I can't blame any athletes for being wary of going to Athens. One of my good friends is close to being number one (national) in her weight class for Judo, but she's said she's not sure if she really wants to be, because of the terrorism fears. Evan
Pat Tillman can give up the life of luxury in the NFL to fight and die for his country abroad, but these overpaid, prima donna punks can not spend one month playing basketball in Greece for their country? PATHETIC
Those were my thoughts too. If i was a solider yes I'd have other things on my mind but I'd still love basketball. I'd want Garnett to represent us. Least he could do for the blanket of freedom I provide him. *** IF I was a soldier ***
Pat Tillman can give up the life of luxury in the NFL to fight and die for his country abroad, but these overpaid, prima donna punks can not spend one month playing basketball in Greece for their country? Right, because winning a basketball tournament certainly is important for this country's future. If he doesn't want to play basketball in August, so be it. Who the hell cares?
He already played and won a gold medal at the last Olympic games under Rudy. He has a life and a choice, I see no problem in choosing to pass on the Olympics. DD
Exactly. People act as if the Olympic Games are a matter of life and death. If you dodge the Olympics, it's like dodging the draft. Whatever. It's always been a voluntary thing.
im sensing a bitterness theme from Nugget 54.. Put yourself in Garnett's shoes, if you just got married, would you want to go? The commitment to play is a lot more then a month, its takes up the whole summer because of training and practice. I know I would want to be with my wife. To reason that a solider can go to war, so Garnett has to play in the olympics is ridiculous. It is a different mindset because soldiers know the risks and dangers involved, while Garnett is a civilian who has the right to choose. The reason they are over there fighting now is to protect the freedom we have to make choices like the one Garnet made, not to force force/guilt him into going. Think of how many travel plans made by Americans have been altered due to fear of terrorism. I can promise you it is a lot more then Garnett's.
Thank you Major and others. People need to seperate sports from religion, patriotism, etc. It's basketball. As much as I respect Tillman, that was his decision and IMO a horrible one. //Let's see, play in the NFL, or go fight a pointless war driven by one of the dumbest individuals on this planet....tough choice.
well... the team is not looking good. no KG. no Shaq. likely no Kobe. likely no Ray allen. no T-Mac (injured right?) no Malone. i mean the only additions are Tim Duncan and Jason Kidd (if he goes). Is that gonna do it?
I think Tim Duncan can do it alone but seriously I don't know how much international basketball has improved compared to US talent PG - Kidd SG - Iverson SF - PF - Jermaine O'Neal C - Duncan I think thats pretty good.. Jason Kidd will have to play, in order to keep this team winning
qrui.. I know yao is probably the type guy who wants to play for his country so he would probably do so if he has the choice.. but could he not play if he didn't want to? is it a misconception that he HAS to play?
