A CERTAIN SENSE OF EMBARRASSING SATISFACTION

I don't know about anyone else, but I was sort of happy to see the U.S. Men's Basketball team lose its Olympic opener yesterday to Puerto Rico (yes, that's right; I said Puerto Rico). I'm usually not one who roots against his own country, but our men's basketball team typifies everything which I feel is wrong with the modern Olympics... namely, that professional athletes are allowed to compete against amateurs. And nothing's worse in my opinion than a bunch of privileged millionaire basketball players all getting to play on the same team, and taking joy and pleasure from beating up on teams from countries comprised solely of amateur athletes (which is exactly what has been happening since the IOC allowed professional basketball players into the Olympics starting in 1992).

Yesterday's 19-point loss to Puerto Rico was only the third defeat for the U.S. Menís team in Olympic history (we lost to the Soviet Union in 1972 and 1988) and showed just how far the rest of the world has come in catching up to the United States of America, the birthplace of the sport of basketball. I'll be interested to see how our players respond to yesterday's loss, especially in light of the fact that their next game pits the NBA millionaires against a Greek team that will be playing in front of a frenzied home crowd tomorrow evening.

On the surface, it appears that the U.S.A. still has the best pool of basketball players, coaches, and facilities in the world. So, it stands to reason that anything less than a gold medal in Athens would be an embarrassment; right? Well, while that might very well be true, I'm here to share that winning a gold medal would be just as embarrassing!

Mikal, I have to agree with you, although I had a friend point out - Puerto Rico - isn't that kind of like being beat by yourself? Aren't they part of us? I have been embarrassed by the arrogance and cavalier attitude being shown by these players. It should be noted, however, that many of the other teams also have professional players on their teams. More and more the NBA is populated by European players. It is said their skills are actually better. They are more disciplined players... not straight out of high school.

I'm neither happy or sad that they lost. Big Picture.... it doesn't really matter.