Chris Kaman is the center for the Los Angeles Clippers. He was born here in the United States, however his grandparents are German. He aquired a dual German citizenship in July 2008. But he was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan He is playing basketball for the German Olympic Basketball team. Would any of you consider this unpatriotic? Just asking:huh:
Not really. He wasn't going to make the USA team, so this was his only shot at participating in the Olympics.
so much for the olympics being about the best amature athletes from each country. amature went out the window a long time ago, and now its not even about the countries best athletes. now its about hired guns. too cynical?
amature status flies out the window when they take any endorsement deal of any kind. however, I did hear the commentator say that if we did have amature athletes, especially in basketball(college players), there would be no way we would win Gold. Because most of the best college players are one and done these days.
It's a lot more common for players start playing basketball professionally at a young age overseas than it is in the US. Tony Parker, Dirk Nowitzki, and Yao Ming all were professionals before the age of 16.
I'm not sure if I find it unpatriotic. I'm kinda undecided. However, there is an American woman- last name is Hammon. She plays in the WBNA, will also be playing for the Russian Women's BBall team. :crystal::geaux::crystal::geaux::crystal:
