MUScoop

http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/7801502/nba-olympians-compensated

MIAMI -- Count two-time Olympian and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade among those who believe NBA players should be paid for playing with Team USA in the London Olympics.

Wade, the leading scorer on the 2008 national team that won a gold medal in China, said he agreed with Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen that players should be compensated for their time participating in the Summer Games. Allen first addressed the issue Tuesday night in an interview with FoxSports.com before the Celtics beat the Heat in Miami.

Allen, 36, is nearing the end of a playing career that included a stint with the national team that won the gold medal during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. But Wade, 30, remains in a pool of players on Team USA's current roster that will compete at this summer's Olympics.

"It's a lot of things you do for the Olympics -- a lot of jerseys you sell," Wade said after the Heat's practice on Wednesday in advance of Thursday's game against Chicago. "We play the whole summer. I do think guys should be compensated. Just like I think college players should be compensated as well. Unfortunately, it's not there. But I think it should be something, you know, there for it."

Wade said he hasn't thought about how much players should be paid for their time. But he said there is a demanding schedule that comes with a commitment to the national team. This summer, NBA players whose teams advance deep into the playoffs could have only a couple of weeks of down time before the start of Team USA's training camp in late July.

The gold medal game is scheduled for Aug. 12, about a month before many NBA players resume workouts to gear up for training camps that open in late September or early October.

"The biggest thing is now you get no rest," Wade said. "So you go to the end of the season, (Team USA) training camp is two weeks later. You're giving up a lot to do it. It's something you want to do. But it's taxing on your body. You're not playing for the dollar. But it would be nice if you would get compensated."

On Tuesday night, Allen told FoxSports.com that sharing profits from the sale of Olympic game jerseys would be acceptable.

"You talk about the patriotism that guys should want to play for, but you (need to) find a way to entice the guys," Allen was quoted as saying in the interview. "It's not the easiest thing in the world if you play deep in the playoffs and then you get two, three weeks off and then you start training again to play more basketball, where it requires you to be away from home and in another country. It's fun, but your body does need a break."

Wade supported Allen's comments.

"I totally agree," Wade said. "I think (jersey) licensing could be a way ... maybe licensing may not be fair because everybody won't get the same amount. (There) should be some way. But that's something they've got to worry about because this will be my last time around."

Heat players LeBron James and Chris Bosh are also on the Team USA roster for the Summer Games. But neither player would say if they agreed with Wade and Allen regarding player compensation.

"I love representing my country, man," James said. "I've done it since 2004 and I'm looking forward to doing it in London. As far as (pay), I don't know, man. It doesn't matter. I'm happy to be a part of the team, to be selected again."

Haiku will say it best:


D Wade wants money
Others smart and hold their tongue
Even evil James

This is a terrible idea. He should read 'Drive'. 

If someone asks you to help move as a favor you are more likely to do it than if they offer you $20.  As soon as you are offered money your brain starts thinking in terms of the value of your time rather than the intrinsic bennifits of helping your friend (or country).  Since NBA players' time is ridiculously valuable, the pay would have to be huge. If it was anything else, it would only cause people to think; 'that isn't much cash and i can use the time off.'

As for us needing to worry about the dream team after him, he's right that there aren't many young SG in the league right now.  I'm sure that will change over the next four years though.

not a smart pr move...but overall i get his point.

Don't like this stance.

Feels like a lot of people are confused about the concept of patriotism. If you need to entice people to don the USA name in any competition, there is little patriotism involved.

Quote from: RawdogDX on April 11, 2012, 06:08:36 PM
This is a terrible idea. He should read 'Drive'. 

If someone asks you to help move as a favor you are more likely to do it than if they offer you $20.  As soon as you are offered money your brain starts thinking in terms of the value of your time rather than the intrinsic bennifits of helping your friend (or country).  Since NBA players' time is ridiculously valuable, the pay would have to be huge. If it was anything else, it would only cause people to think; 'that isn't much cash and i can use the time off.'

As for us needing to worry about the dream team after him, he's right that there aren't many young SG in the league right now.  I'm sure that will change over the next four years though.

never read "Drive" but i know most people are driven by money, and those that aren't still appreciate it as it shows support.

1. i think he's sick of people getting rich off of "student-athletes" and his name (in the name of patriotism)
2. i think just having some say/understanding in where the $$$ go might be enough in the case of the olympics

the ncaa either needs to pay players or stop chasing the $$$ themselves.  

Hey Dwyane,
     If you don't think this country has done enough for you and given you ample opportunities, please don't play.  I'm sure there are plenty of guys that would be willing to play just to represent their country.  Luol Deng has made a huge deal out of being given the opportunity to play for Great Britain.  I want players like that on the Olympic Squad.  I wonder where Dwyane thinks this money would come from, our ample tax surplus perhaps?
     There is nothing that makes you more important than any other Olympians.  Just my two cents.  I actually find this to be quite arrogant and insulting. 

does anyone know what is done with the jersey sales $$$??

Quote from: buckchuckler on April 11, 2012, 07:42:58 PM
Hey Dwyane,
     If you don't think this country has done enough for you and given you ample opportunities, please don't play.  I'm sure there are plenty of guys that would be willing to play just to represent their country.  Luol Deng has made a huge deal out of being given the opportunity to play for Great Britain.  I want players like that on the Olympic Squad.  I wonder where Dwyane thinks this money would come from, our ample tax surplus perhaps?
     There is nothing that makes you more important than any other Olympians.  Just my two cents.  I actually find this to be quite arrogant and insulting. 

+1. He can't just represent his country and be proud? What happened to citius, altius, fortius? Gets paid to play basketball in a state with no income tax and complains when he's not being compensated for 2 weeks as an Olympian. ridiculous, conceited, spoiled comments from Wade.

I like Wade less and less every day. My least favorite MU NBA player - by far.

There is nothing easier than telling someone else what they should do for free.

wait, the american players are being forced against their will to play in the Olympics?

D Wade is God. We are mere mortals.

Honestly, I feel insulted by this. Does he not understand that this is an amateur competition? I would rather see them go back to not using professionals for basketball and hockey than to start paying the players. I realize the Olympics are largely a money grab for the IOC and host nations, but it's also a dream held by athletes across a wide range of sports. Are we going to start paying all the sprinters, swimmers, and marksmen as well? And who will determine who gets how much? Is Wade going to be judged to have a higher intrinsic value to the competition, or is he willing to take the same cut as a sychronized swimmer?

This happens every 4 years, and it's an honor to be selected. People work their entire lives just to get a chance to do this, and asking for compensation just makes him sound like a spoiled brat. Look at the ridiculous amount of money he gets to play A GAME, for chrissake, and be thankful for the country that has made that possible. Heaven forbid anyone would ever have to actually give something back once or twice in their lives.

Quote from: brewcity77 on April 11, 2012, 08:53:19 PM
I realize the Olympics are largely a money grab for the IOC and host nations,.

So, because it is a money grab the players should just work for free?  Does everybody involved in the US Olympics work for free...pardon me, for honor?

QuoteIs Wade going to be judged to have a higher intrinsic value to the competition or is he willing to take the same cut as a synchronized swimmer?

How many synchronized swimming jerseys were sold with the number of this athlete you can't even name on it? 

We live in a society built on maximizing profit.  DWade has 10 years to make enough money for the rest of his life.  He should shorten that time, wih no compensation, for THE HONOR of making us feel better about ourselves?

But you're right, he makes a ridiculous amount of money playing a game, money that should clearly be going to team owners for doing nothing.

Quote from: sarcastro on April 11, 2012, 09:12:54 PM
So, because it is a money grab the players should just work for free?  Does everybody involved in the US Olympics work for free...pardon me, for honor?

no one is forcing him to play

Quote from: sarcastro on April 11, 2012, 09:12:54 PM
So, because it is a money grab the players should just work for free?  Does everybody involved in the US Olympics work for free...pardon me, for honor?

How many synchronized swimming jerseys were sold with the number of this athlete you can't even name on it? 

We live in a society built on maximizing profit.  DWade has 10 years to make enough money for the rest of his life.  He should shorten that time, wih no compensation, for THE HONOR of making us feel better about ourselves?

But you're right, he makes a ridiculous amount of money playing a game, money that should clearly be going to team owners for doing nothing.

If he doesn't want to play, fine. I'd rather not have someone that doesn't care enough to take a few weeks out of his oh-so-important life to represent his country traveling to London on our behalf. But the difference between what he does for the Heat and what he does for the Olympic team is vastly different. The Heat are only responsible for the Heat. The USOC has to find funding for what, 20 different sports, of which maybe 2-3 actually generate any revenue?

Again, if he is so intent on making money, screw him. Don't play, I'd rather not have someone like that representing me. It's not like this is an every year thing. And it's not like it takes up that vast an amount of time. I'd much rather have amateurs or players that want to be there and are willing to play for pride and competition for a few weeks than someone who can't put aside his paycheck for a month, especially a paycheck that is more than 588 times that of the average American (you know...the people that PAY his paycheck?).

This is a perfect example of why the Olympics no longer fill most with the wonder and pride they once did. The 1980 US Olympic Hockey team was more deserving of our praise than 10,000 Dwyane Wades would be. They could have went pro, they could have made a money grab, but they played for national pride and the honor of putting on that shirt, something 99.99% of us can only dream of.

And as far as the amount he makes versus what the owners make...what does that have to do with anything? This isn't the NBA. Apples and oranges. He's made enough for 100 lifetimes...if he's so greedy that he needs an extra few hundred thousand, then record another Nike commercial. I'd like Americans in London that actually take pride in representing the country.

This is a d-bag move by d-wade. 

He just posted this on Facebook:

I'm reading a lot of reports coming out about my comments re: the Olympics and compensation. And I want to clear this up personally...I responded 2 a specific question asked by a reporter on my thoughts of Olympians being paid. I never asked to be paid to PLAY. What I was referencing is there is a lot of Olympic business that happens that athletes are not a part of. It's a complicated issue. BUT my love 4 the game & pride 4 USA motivates me more than any dollar amount. I repped my country in 2004 when we won the silver medal and stood proudly to receive our gold medal in 2008 in Beijing. It's always been an honor for me to be a part of the USA Olympic family & I'm looking forward to doing it again in London this summer.

What a joke, that sounds like pure PR spin after getting called out (and not coming after you, TB&G, no intent to shoot the messenger :) ). If he wasn't asking to be paid to play, what was he asking to be paid for? Modeling a jersey with his name and number on it? Give me a break. These were the quotes in the article attributed to him:

Quote from: Dwyane Wade"It's a lot of things you do for the Olympics -- a lot of jerseys you sell," Wade said after the Heat's practice on Wednesday in advance of Thursday's game against Chicago. "We play the whole summer. I do think guys should be compensated. Just like I think college players should be compensated as well. Unfortunately, it's not there. But I think it should be something, you know, there for it."

"The biggest thing is now you get no rest," Wade said. "So you go to the end of the season, [Team USA] training camp is two weeks later. You're giving up a lot to do it. It's something you want to do. But it's taxing on your body. You're not playing for the dollar. But it would be nice if you would get compensated."

"I totally agree," Wade said. "I think [jersey] licensing could be a way ... maybe licensing may not be fair because everybody won't get the same amount. [There] should be some way. But that's something they've got to worry about because this will be my last time around."

.
All he's doing is splitting hairs. The USOC is funding a lot more than his plane ticket, and if they want to use the revenue he makes so we can be competitive in other sports, I don't see any problem with that. If it's that taxing on the body, don't do it. I'm sure there are many other players that would happily take his place without requiring "compensation".

are the players too dumb to understand that they make up for lack of pay with bigger endorsements after representing the USA

Quote from: buckchuckler on April 11, 2012, 07:42:58 PM
Hey Dwyane,
     If you don't think this country has done enough for you and given you ample opportunities, please don't play.  I'm sure there are plenty of guys that would be willing to play just to represent their country.  Luol Deng has made a huge deal out of being given the opportunity to play for Great Britain.  I want players like that on the Olympic Squad.  I wonder where Dwyane thinks this money would come from, our ample tax surplus perhaps?
     There is nothing that makes you more important than any other Olympians.  Just my two cents.  I actually find this to be quite arrogant and insulting. 

No kidding... Don't play for your country if that is the way oi feel.  sounds like wade is getting warn out...

Quote from: TrueBlueAndGold on April 11, 2012, 09:55:04 PM
He just posted this on Facebook:

I'm reading a lot of reports coming out about my comments re: the Olympics and compensation. And I want to clear this up personally...I responded 2 a specific question asked by a reporter on my thoughts of Olympians being paid. I never asked to be paid to PLAY. What I was referencing is there is a lot of Olympic business that happens that athletes are not a part of. It's a complicated issue. BUT my love 4 the game & pride 4 USA motivates me more than any dollar amount. I repped my country in 2004 when we won the silver medal and stood proudly to receive our gold medal in 2008 in Beijing. It's always been an honor for me to be a part of the USA Olympic family & I'm looking forward to doing it again in London this summer.

Anyone want to bet that this was written by his pr firm and not by dwade personally?

Quote from: TrueBlueAndGold on April 11, 2012, 09:55:04 PM
He just posted this on Facebook:

I'm reading a lot of reports coming out about my comments re: the Olympics and compensation. And I want to clear this up personally...I responded 2 a specific question asked by a reporter on my thoughts of Olympians being paid. I never asked to be paid to PLAY. What I was referencing is there is a lot of Olympic business that happens that athletes are not a part of. It's a complicated issue. BUT my love 4 the game & pride 4 USA motivates me more than any dollar amount. I repped my country in 2004 when we won the silver medal and stood proudly to receive our gold medal in 2008 in Beijing. It's always been an honor for me to be a part of the USA Olympic family & I'm looking forward to doing it again in London this summer.

I think this confirms it. D-Wade is an avid reader of MUScoop.

Quote from: brewcity77 on April 11, 2012, 08:53:19 PM
Honestly, I feel insulted by this. Does he not understand that this is an amateur competition? I would rather see them go back to not using professionals for basketball and hockey than to start paying the players. I realize the Olympics are largely a money grab for the IOC and host nations, but it's also a dream held by athletes across a wide range of sports. Are we going to start paying all the sprinters, swimmers, and marksmen as well? And who will determine who gets how much? Is Wade going to be judged to have a higher intrinsic value to the competition, or is he willing to take the same cut as a sychronized swimmer?

This happens every 4 years, and it's an honor to be selected. People work their entire lives just to get a chance to do this, and asking for compensation just makes him sound like a spoiled brat. Look at the ridiculous amount of money he gets to play A GAME, for chrissake, and be thankful for the country that has made that possible. Heaven forbid anyone would ever have to actually give something back once or twice in their lives.

It is not an amatuer competition, and it hasn't been for decades now.

Wade's idea is right: Olympic athletes should be paid. They are providing a service, and a rather valuable one. Capitalism 101.

Having said that, these particular athletes do not need to be paid, and I certainly wouldn't lobby for them to get paid. These spoiled NBA jocks would be insulted if they weren't selected to play for Team USA, even knowing full well they won't be paid. It was a politically incorrect answer by Wade. He'd have saved himself lots of grief if he simply didn't say what he was thinking.

Quote from: MU82 on April 11, 2012, 10:25:46 PM
It is not an amatuer competition, and it hasn't been for decades now.

Wade's idea is right: Olympic athletes should be paid. They are providing a service, and a rather valuable one. Capitalism 101.

I'm pretty sure there is nothing in the tenets of Capitalism that says that every one who performs a socially valuable activity needs to be compensated financially. If people want to work for free, its not a sin against capitalism.

Quote from: AWegrzyn17 on April 11, 2012, 11:04:44 PM
I'm pretty sure there is nothing in the tenets of Capitalism that says that every one who performs a socially valuable activity needs to be compensated financially. If people want to work for free, its not a sin against capitalism.

You're right, but the top tier of talent doesn't want to work for free. So you could settle for lesser talent willing to play for "pride," or you can pay the people with talent. I tend to agree with you that Olympic athletes shouldn't be paid, but there's definitely a good argument for why they should be.

Majority of MUScoopers,
I completely agree with the stance that if you don't think playing for your country is compensation enough, don't play.  I love the way Dwyane carries himself, but his opinion can take a walk, and check out all the Olympic athletes who sold their gold and "LIVE IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!!!!"  He should be thankful he plays a sport that allows him to represent our country AND get paid more than generously by his primary occupation.   How many of us volunteer our time to be coaches, participate in pension/school boards, do community service, etc, all w/o having (or wanting) anything in return?  D-Wade is a fellow south-sider and does a lot of charity work in my community.  But I do not have his back on this one.  Obviously, it was probably not a very well thought out opinion that could have been based on conversations he had w/ other NBA players who think they should be paid for every appearance they make.  Or maybe he is finding this to be too demanding on his or others' schedules.  While I can understand that you probably have been there, and done that, your opinion is disappointing.  Hopefully, he thinks a little more before he has another one of his #ozziemisquotes.

Respectfully yours,
Tom

Some of the guys are required to play in the Olympics if chosen per their shoe deal.  So in a way, they are being paid to go to the Olympics.

Personally I don't like NBA guys playing in the Olympics.  I'd much rather see Derrick Rose rest up in the offseason and heal his nagging injuries then play in the Olympics.  Or Luol Deng get surgery on his wrist instead of playing for the host country.

If LeBron were severely hurt in an Olympic game, I doubt you'd see a big name star there again.

The best competition is in the NBA. Not the Olympics.

Article said he was concerned about rest time after the NBA season but he won't have anything going on in late may and early june anyway. i don't see the issue there.  ;D

Quote from: avid1010 on April 11, 2012, 06:14:50 PM
never read "Drive" but i know most people are driven by money, and those that aren't still appreciate it as it shows support.

1. i think he's sick of people getting rich off of "student-athletes" and his name (in the name of patriotism)
2. i think just having some say/understanding in where the $$$ go might be enough in the case of the olympics

the ncaa either needs to pay players or stop chasing the $$$ themselves.  

What you 'know' is not a fact.  You are wrong in many instances.  Monetary rewards work best when they are unexpected and inconsistent.  In many fields saying 'finish this tonight and you get a bonus' actually results in worse results.

what the hell does this have to do with the NCAA or student athletes?

Quote from: cheebs09 on April 11, 2012, 10:16:16 PM
I think this confirms it. D-Wade is an avid reader of MUScoop.

Best comment.

This just in:  Peyton Manning believes that NFL players should be paid for appearing in United Way commercials.

So I4 paid Wade for donning the clown shorts?

Quote from: TrueBlueAndGold on April 11, 2012, 09:55:04 PM
.I responded 2 a specific question asked by a reporter on my thoughts of Olympians being paid. I never asked to be paid to PLAY. What I was referencing is there is a lot of Olympic business that happens that athletes are not a part of.

In his interview he talked about it relating to basketball, because he talked about how it made for too short of an offseason, but then in his PR statement tries to make it about Olympic athletes in general. 
Hey, he at least wants the Shot Putters to be compensated for everyone who buys their jersey too. 
I'm going to go put on my Christian Cantwell jersey now. (yes I had to look that up)

Love the faux patriotic outrage on this board right now.

(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTM2ENJ8G3qNnqHwzCnq0n4FzJ3XmR2lM9svanmLKc_WGG042P7HIpUOPzPaQ)

@DwyaneWade
I'm reading a lot of reports coming out about my comments re: the Olympics and compensation. And I want to clear this up personally...

@DwyaneWade
I responded 2 a specific question asked by a reporter on my thoughts of Olympians being paid. I never asked to be paid to PLAY.

@DwyaneWade
What I was referencing is there is a lot of Olympic business that happens that athletes are not a part of - and it's a complicated issue.

@DwyaneWade
BUT my love 4 the game & pride 4 USA motivates me more than any $$$ amount. I repped my country in 2004 when we won the bronze medal and...

@DwyaneWade
...stood proudly to receive our gold medal in 2008 in Beijing. It's always been an honor for me to be a part of the USA Olympic family...

@DwyaneWade
...and I'm looking forward to doing it again in London this summer

Yawn. Pay the Olympians, I don't care.

Quote from: tommyc6 on April 12, 2012, 09:45:19 AM

TWITTER TRACKER

All already posted about 12 hours ago in this thread ;)

I don't have a problem with them getting a cut of the revenue from jersey sales, which was Ray Allen's original point (another athlete I immensely respect and probably my favorite non-MU NBA player), in the same way I wonder if both male and female members of the National Soccer teams get cuts of jersey sales.  That is way more of a time commitment and second job for them than just being on the Olympic team.  The Olympics hasn't been about amateur athletes for some time, so these discussions are gonna come up.

Compared to the notoriously dirty IOC, the NCAA is a joke. Forced amateurism of athletes is ridiculous.

Quote from: Blue Horseshoe on April 12, 2012, 10:03:57 AM
Compared to the notoriously dirty IOC, the NCAA is a joke. Forced amateurism of athletes is ridiculous.

Ummm .... who forces them?

Quote from: brewcity77 on April 12, 2012, 09:53:37 AM
All already posted about 12 hours ago in this thread ;)

I'm crushed. I've always wanted to have a meaningful twitter tracker post.

Quote from: tommyc6 on April 12, 2012, 12:34:05 PM
I'm crushed. I've always wanted to have a meaningful twitter tracker post.

Actually, the previously posted comments were from his facebook.  So the twitter tracker post confirming his facebook comments was very meaningful, to me at least.

Quote from: MarsupialMadness on April 12, 2012, 12:40:40 PM
Actually, the previously posted comments were from his facebook.  So the twitter tracker post confirming his facebook comments was very meaningful, to me at least.

Thank you MarsupialMadness.

And who says ESPN doesn't show highlights or ever mention MU?

Quote from: Pakuni on April 12, 2012, 12:31:34 PM
Ummm .... who forces them?

Any governing body that directly profits from the athletes with out compensating the athletes themselves. There was a discussion back in the fall about the article in the Atlantic about how awful and hypocritical the NCAA was.

Quote from: Blue Horseshoe on April 12, 2012, 02:14:06 PM
Any governing body that directly profits from the athletes with out compensating the athletes themselves. There was a discussion back in the fall about the article in the Atlantic about how awful and hypocritical the NCAA was.

The athletes are compensated.
College educations, housing, clothing, meals, healthcare, professional training, coaching .... these things cost money. A lot of money. Which is why the large majority of athletic departments break even or worse.
The NCAA itself retains no profit.

All of which still ignores the question ... who forces them?

I am honestly surprised at the vitriol toward Wade in this thread.  Wade is 100% correct.  He should be paid.  The IOC and the "Olympic Movement" are the biggest bunch of hypocrites in the world.  They line their pockets, pit one city against others for the "right" to host the games, and line their pockets some more...all for the "glory of athletics?"

And Wade should simply suit up for the "honor of playing for the US" while all of this is going on?

F*ck that.  At least the equally dirty FIFA has the sack to share some of the $$ with the players and not wrap themselves in this blanket of amateurism.

Quote from: Blue Horseshoe on April 12, 2012, 10:03:57 AM
Compared to the notoriously dirty IOC, the NCAA is a joke. Forced amateurism of athletes is ridiculous.

How do you intend to pay for the 380,000 athletes from non-revenue sport vs the 20,000 from those that play in revenue sports?  What's the going rate for the women's tennis player or the cross country captain?

Quote from: Blue Horseshoe on April 12, 2012, 09:53:01 AM
Yawn. Pay the Olympians, I don't care.

They should be paid like the East German women's Shot Put Squad

Quote from: warthog-driver on April 12, 2012, 06:44:59 PM
They should be paid like the East German women's Shot Put Squad

Bad vodka and steroids???

Quote from: reinko on April 12, 2012, 09:20:38 AM
Love the faux patriotic outrage on this board right now.

(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTM2ENJ8G3qNnqHwzCnq0n4FzJ3XmR2lM9svanmLKc_WGG042P7HIpUOPzPaQ)

I am not the least bothered by this but I am amused at the sense that he is somehow less than patriotic. I have a very well developed and defined sense of patriotism forged through combat service in Operations Invoke Resolve, Just Cause, Praying Mantis, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Feedom. The true patriot recognizes what we have fought for and tolerates the diversity of opinion. I would submit that the opinion of those who have served carries a bit more weight on this subject than perhaps the unbloodied.

Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on April 12, 2012, 06:39:01 PM
I am honestly surprised at the vitriol toward Wade in this thread.  Wade is 100% correct.  He should be paid.  The IOC and the "Olympic Movement" are the biggest bunch of hypocrites in the world.  They line their pockets, pit one city against others for the "right" to host the games, and line their pockets some more...all for the "glory of athletics?"

And Wade should simply suit up for the "honor of playing for the US" while all of this is going on?

F*ck that.  At least the equally dirty FIFA has the sack to share some of the $$ with the players and not wrap themselves in this blanket of amateurism.

He is paid.
He's paid by Nike for playing in the Olympics, through his endorsement deal.
Also, every player on the 2008 team got $25k.

If those terms are unsuitable for him, he has the option not to play.
Of course, that probably won't looked kindly upon by Nike.

Much respect Sultan, but the answer for DWade is simply to not play.  He will open himself up to criticism of a different sort, of course (unpatriotic etc.), but good lord, an NBA superstar ($18 mill/yr?) should not be paid notwithstanding the hypocrisy of the USOC and the IOC.  And no matter what, don't say "pay me" and then wuss out and say "I didn't mean it.". I thought he was a db for saying pay me; now he's just a wuss.   

Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on April 12, 2012, 09:28:14 PM
Much respect Sultan, but the answer for DWade is simply to not play.  He will open himself up to criticism of a different sort, of course (unpatriotic etc.), but good lord, an NBA superstar ($18 mill/yr?) should not be paid notwithstanding the hypocrisy of the USOC and the IOC.  And no matter what, don't say "pay me" and then wuss out and say "I didn't mean it.". I thought he was a db for saying pay me; now he's just a wuss.   

This.
It's one thing to think the players should be paid (more). Fine to have that opinion.
It's another thing for him to volunteer for the team, knowing full well it's an unpaid gig, and them complain about the lack of compensation. If you don't want to play, don't play. But don't agree to play then whine about the terms to which you agreed.

Quote from: brewcity77 on April 11, 2012, 08:53:19 PM
Does he not understand that this is an amateur competition?

Quote from: MU82 on April 11, 2012, 10:25:46 PM
It is not an amatuer competition, and it hasn't been for decades now.

Just a minor nitpick with both of the above...The origin of the Olympic games (i.e. ancient times) had nothing to do with amateurism.  In fact, the best athletes participated (that is, as long as they were male, and spoke Greek...).  The amateur thing was created for the "modern" games, but was a pretty bad idea.  That's like having a drinking competition in college, awarding a medal to the one who can hold his (or her...) liquor the best, but only inviting the Freshman during their first week on campus...

Really dumb comment by Dwyane. 

Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on April 12, 2012, 09:28:14 PM
Much respect Sultan, but the answer for DWade is simply to not play.  He will open himself up to criticism of a different sort, of course (unpatriotic etc.), but good lord, an NBA superstar ($18 mill/yr?) should not be paid notwithstanding the hypocrisy of the USOC and the IOC.  And no matter what, don't say "pay me" and then wuss out and say "I didn't mean it.". I thought he was a db for saying pay me; now he's just a wuss.   

I basically agree that he should just bow out, but I don't care how much he makes and how he makes his living.  He's a professional who should be compensated for doing what he does. 

Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on April 13, 2012, 07:56:14 AM

I basically agree that he should just bow out, but I don't care how much he makes and how he makes his living.  He's a professional who should be compensated for doing what he does. 

I see the olympics as part of the whole package for the nba players. He is getting compensated by his team and his endorsements, the olympic participation is part of that. The olympic exposure is building and improving his "brand". No different than a salesperson or professional going to a seminar or volunteering for a fund raiser. They are not getting paid directly, but they are getting exposure and improving their stock in the long run.

Quote from: warthog-driver on April 12, 2012, 06:50:35 PM
I am not the least bothered by this but I am amused at the sense that he is somehow less than patriotic. I have a very well developed and defined sense of patriotism forged through combat service in Operations Invoke Resolve, Just Cause, Praying Mantis, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Feedom. The true patriot recognizes what we have fought for and tolerates the diversity of opinion. I would submit that the opinion of those who have served carries a bit more weight on this subject than perhaps the unbloodied.

I agree, and I believe that your life experiences, have given you a certain lens, as well as more credibility when it comes to being patriotic.  I have a tough time when people drape themselves with American flag lapel pins or a bumper sticker that says "These colors don't run", and claim they are being patriotic.  I think having love for ones country is enough, and many folks believe that by just loving America, and the freedoms it has, is being patriotic.  True patriotism in my eyes is not only this recognition and celebration that we have rights and freedoms, but participating in our republic and actively trying to make the place we all call home truly a better nation.  As always, thank you, your families, friends, and fellows that stood by you, in the past, present, and future for their service to this nation.

Quote from: hairyworthen on April 13, 2012, 08:53:59 AM
I see the olympics as part of the whole package for the nba players. He is getting compensated by his team and his endorsements, the olympic participation is part of that. The olympic exposure is building and improving his "brand". No different than a salesperson or professional going to a seminar or volunteering for a fund raiser. They are not getting paid directly, but they are getting exposure and improving their stock in the long run.

Exactly.  He's promoting his "brand". I think the thing to point out though, is that I don't think he was necessarily saying he thinks they should be paid to play in the olympics, but they should get a cut of the jersey sales.  That's a whole different argument, IMO.

Well if they did get paid.... Obama would want his 30 percent.

Quote from: muwarrior69 on April 13, 2012, 01:09:23 PM
Well if they did get paid.... Obama would want his 30 percent.

Yet he only pays 20% himself...

Quote from: muwarrior69 on April 13, 2012, 01:09:23 PM
Well if they did get paid.... Obama would want his 30 percent.

What tax-shelter island do you think those guys live on that they would only pay 30%?  If you are single, you are in the 35% tax bracket once your taxable income is over $379,150 per year.

Quote from: muwarrior69 on April 13, 2012, 01:09:23 PM
Well if they did get paid.... Obama would want his 30 percent.

Awesome, let's talk politics!

Quote from: reinko on April 13, 2012, 01:38:36 PM
Awesome, let's talk politics!

It doesn't say "no politics" in Hangin' at the Al, so as long as we keep this away from the Superbar I think we're safe.

Quote from: Bocephys on April 13, 2012, 01:44:05 PM
It doesn't say "no politics" in Hangin' at the Al, so as long as we keep this away from the Superbar I think we're safe.

It's finance, not politics.

See, this is why I don't think Wade's request is unreasonable.  Apparently the IOC is so powerful it can raise the dead.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/olympics-organizers-ask-keith-moon-to-play-closing-ceremony-20120413