The reason the track stars stay in is because this is their NBA Finals. This is top level they can perform at. They train for 4 years for this 1 event. (yes theres other events but this is the big one) For NBA players on the other hand this not the championship they work for. I doubt many of them truly care if they get a gold metal.
Not trying to offend anyone here, but please stop making excuses for all these filthy rich players. I am sure some of them have real good personal reasons not able to make it. But com'on, so many opted out, especially we had our ass kicked last time around. It's disgraceful. Period. Other athletes have families too. I'm sure they all concern about their security. As a matter of fact, it's much easier to kidnap a much lesser known athlete, or simpily explode some bombs in a crowded place than to kidnap a Big Ben and alikes. All these basketball players can talk tough, act tough on the court, but sure act more like chickens in representing their country.
How is discussing Yao's interview for Sports Sunday that you highlighted in your opening post off-topic? ___________________________ The players that are missing the olympics are not skipping out because of the terrorism threat ~ they face that for 86+ games in the US. How many players have indicated that they are not going to Athens because they fear for their lives?
Also, at the sound of the gun, they are trained to run like crazy instead of looking around to see who's shooting.
what about the islamic insurgency in Xinjiang province? also, werent 10-11 chinese workers just massacred in afghanistan?
Is this the end of Colin Pine What do you guys think, will Yao now do all his interviews in English. I hope so I like hearing him talk.
A recap for those who missed it: Yao was asked how he thought about the trade. He said that he will miss Steve, Cat, and Cato very much but will also welcome TMac. He mentioned that his toe injury is pretty bad now but he doesn't expect to miss the Olympics. He also mentioned that he enjoyed the long vacation he got after the season and he's now "relaxed". I may have missed something. Feel free to add on.
One thing that stood out was that Del is using Yao as the team interpreter. In some of the clips he looks like he is really fitting into the role as the team leader teaching and assisting his other team mates.
Yao also said it was an honor to play in the Olympics and to play for the CNT. He said he couldn't understand why so many American players have backed out, but "I guess I'm not American yet." Del Harris mentioned the other players looked up to Yao but not to the point of idolizing him and that the players were very humble and respectful which he thought was part of their culture. Houston Native
As mentioned before, Yao said he had 15 days off and that he felt relaxed. They showed him shooting about 18 foot jump shots (well he wasn't jumping) from the baseline after receiving passes from a Chinese coach as well as free throws and they showed him making all of them (about 6 or 7 shots). Houston Native
