Dwyane Wade eyes Olympic pay

[warthog-driver]

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

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

[GGGG]

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

Bad vodka and steroids???

[warthog-driver]

Love the faux patriotic outrage on this board right now.

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.

[Pakuni]

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.

[LloydMooresLegs]

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.   

[Pakuni]

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.

[rocky_warrior]

Does he not understand that this is an amateur competition?

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...

[Small Orange Soda]

Really dumb comment by Dwyane. 

[GGGG]

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. 

[hairy worthen]

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.

[reinko]

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.

[MarsupialMadness]

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.

[muwarrior69]

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

[Bocephys]

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

Yet he only pays 20% himself...

[warriorchick]

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.

[reinko]

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

Awesome, let's talk politics!

[Bocephys]

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.

[warriorchick]

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.

[GGGG]

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