alexrgct
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They don't miss the opportunity. And then they pay for it physically. That is the point. No one who received a spot on the team bowed out of going to London.
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easttexastrash
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Maybe it's time to go to a college-only team so that these professional players don't put themselves through the grind of the Olympics, resulting in fatigue. The college players are off in the summer so there would be no conflict with professional commitments.
sarals24
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Well, that's one solution. But the players are competitive and want to play for their country and win. It's such a cool opportunity, why on earth would we not want them to have it? And I'm sorry, I don't buy this "growing the game" stuff. That's not their responsibility. They are there to play and win, just like any other athlete, and if people see them and like what they see, great.
And really, how is it such a big deal if they miss a few weeks of the WNBA season every four years? I'd rather they be healthy and able to play for more years than burn out early or get injured from fatigue or overuse. I would gladly give up seeing them on their pro teams for a few weeks to have the chance to see D, Sue, Maya, Tina, CP, etc play together.
And really, how is it such a big deal if they miss a few weeks of the WNBA season every four years? I'd rather they be healthy and able to play for more years than burn out early or get injured from fatigue or overuse. I would gladly give up seeing them on their pro teams for a few weeks to have the chance to see D, Sue, Maya, Tina, CP, etc play together.
UcMiami
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Or ... maybe we should just realize that once every four years some USA players may not be available for the full WNBA season. At some point USA will lose the gold medal in the Olympics and everyone will start talking about allowing the national team players to practice all spring/summer to prepare for the Olympics. What a novel concept (that the rest of teh world already does!)
sarals24
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Plus, it wouldn't be fair to the college teams either if players were to give up their summer to play in the Olympics. What if they get injured? I bet you would be livid if Griner and Simms both were somehow hurt. I know UConn fans would be very worried watching their players. Obviously it's a risk to the pros as well, but as I am more of a WCBB fan than pro, I for one would not want to see anything happen to a player who would obviously be vital to her college team. College players, no matter how strong and seasoned, are not professionals, but would be playing against teams with players who have been pros for years. Not worth the risk, IMO.
UcMiami
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Of course this summer a lot of college incoming freshman were playing USA basketball!!! And when they have the U19 games next year they will be college players. I am not that worried about the injuries - they can happen in the pick-up games folks play just as easily as in the competitions.
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Aluminny69
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NHL players take time out in the middle of their season to play in the Olympics. So, the WNBA players are not unique.
sarals24
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True, of course.
There is a purely selfish reason I want to see pros in the Olympics, though. I want the USA to win, and handily.
sarals24
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NHL players also get an actual offseason to rest. WNBA players (most of them) go play overseas.
easttexastrash
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Injuries happen regardless. It is a chance you take. Players play year round. They can get hurt in a pick-up game or in practice. That is a non-factor to me.
easttexastrash
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Wasn't it Geno who said the winning ugly wouldn't help grow the game? Yes, it is their responsibility if they want to help gain greater respect in the USA. Didn't Geno bemoan the fact that DT doesn't get greater respect? Sitting out prior to and after the Olympucs certainly doesn't help.
Some players and coaches know that they do have a responsibility to grow the game. What if Billie Jean King had had the "it's not my responsibility" attitude? Each generation has a responsibility to give back to the game that has given so much to them.
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sarals24
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So what exactly are they supposed to do, then? If they are supposed to "grow the game", I would argue that the best way to do that would be to play very well on a world stage. This would require them to actually have more time to practice together, but they make do so that they don't spend too much time away from their pro teams, which they are also required to play for while they "grow the game". Oh, but they don't make enough money to just play in the WNBA (some do, obviously, but it's nowhere near what they make overseas) so they have to supplement that with European or Asian teams in the offseason.
And the majority of players choose to play in the WNBA to do just that..."grow the game". They could easily play only overseas, take the summer off and make plenty of money. But they kill themselves to play all year round to make the WNBA competitive and compelling for an American audience, and then take three weeks to go play in a major tournament, where they have to not only win but "not win ugly", and then come back and jump right back into league play.
Soooo again, I don't see a problem with them taking a few weeks off. In the long run, it does help grow the game by seeing the best players at the Olympics, and at their physical peaks.
And the majority of players choose to play in the WNBA to do just that..."grow the game". They could easily play only overseas, take the summer off and make plenty of money. But they kill themselves to play all year round to make the WNBA competitive and compelling for an American audience, and then take three weeks to go play in a major tournament, where they have to not only win but "not win ugly", and then come back and jump right back into league play.
Soooo again, I don't see a problem with them taking a few weeks off. In the long run, it does help grow the game by seeing the best players at the Olympics, and at their physical peaks.
easttexastrash
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EricSD
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I don't know. Did Geno "bemoan" that? how about a link? you've been on here a ton lately and your snark is wearing thin with many. you seem to really enjoy criticizing Geno. several people have called you out on it and your snotty comment is "just put me on ignore". You are a guest on our board.
You seem to love to throw out comments with zero facts to back them up. Diana had a hip flexor injury. You make it sound like she was lazy or had some other reason for sitting out. How are players not giving back? what players specifically are guilty of that in your eyes? how about some facts instead of the normal fluff you throw out there?
UcMiami
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I don't think anyone is questioning that responsibility, but we are also recognizing that these are also individuals who have to make their own way in the world. Diana has been playing basketball professionally for 12 months a year for 8 years. The toll that takes on a persons body is tremendous. She cannot afford not to play in Europe where she makes her money and for eight years she has played in the WNBA to 'pay it forward' for the league and women's basketball. She talked about needing some personal time a few years ago and maybe needing to take a summer off - but she didn't. This year her body did start to break down in the first half of the WNBA season and she sat out to heal enough to give her all for team USA (which is also 'paying it forward') but that does not mean that she is in great physical shape. I would have had no problem with her coming back and saying 'I just can't do this, I need a break and I am taking it now.' She hasn't done that but has continued to miss some games. There is only so much you can ask of these women, and most if not quite all are giving evrything they can.
In terms of viewers and impact, Team USA was much more important for WBB than the Mercury.
easttexastrash
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My option is that the Olympics should be used by USA basketball as an opportunity to make the WNBA a more relevant product. By coming back and shirking their commitments to their teams and fans then in the grand scheme they are not helping professional basketball for women in the US.
Just my opinion.
easttexastrash
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I would much rather see someone say that they need a break than claim injury.
These players are overextending themselves by playing year-round. My point is that the WNBA, the pro league of the US, is the one paying for them overextending themselves
These players are overextending themselves by playing year-round. My point is that the WNBA, the pro league of the US, is the one paying for them overextending themselves
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alexrgct
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I don't know that there is much to be done about that other than going on a more extended break during olympic years to give those who participate time to rest. The league may pay for the current state of things in one sense, but that's partially because it doesn't pay salaries that would keep its players from having to play overseas as well. I'm not saying WNBA players should be paid more- simply saying that a byproduct of that fact is fatigue/physical breakdown/etc. Additionally, it's the league whose season occurs during the Olympics.
BooRadley
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Actually, I don't believe that is your opinion. In fact, I don't believe you have constructed an opinion on this topic. I do believe you have constructed an argument. I also believe you enjoy your contrarian BY persona. So, snark on, ett... snark on... that is, until the peasants storm your castle...
Just my opinion.
Your Ol' Pal Boo
sarals24
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Well, the WNBA didn't want to compete with the NBA or the overseas leagues because they can't pay the players enough. So they knew the issues with the Olympics when they developed the league. And lest we forget, they capitalized greatly on the Olympics and the popularity of the women's team when they founded the league.
Again, I don't understand your issue. Because they are "claiming" injury? Who? And how exactly is the WNBA suffering? They would suffer a lot more if players stopped playing in their league, which they could very easily do. I think it's BS to say that they are responsible for growing the game and have somehow shirked that responsibility by taking a few weeks off, (and only a few players have really taken any time off around the Olympics).
Again, I don't understand your issue. Because they are "claiming" injury? Who? And how exactly is the WNBA suffering? They would suffer a lot more if players stopped playing in their league, which they could very easily do. I think it's BS to say that they are responsible for growing the game and have somehow shirked that responsibility by taking a few weeks off, (and only a few players have really taken any time off around the Olympics).
KnightBridgeAZ
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I DO think the whole business could be better handled by the W. Players are either injured or burned out or disappointed not to be playing for Geno or whatever, and it is impacting things. I don't have any answer. I think most of the posters in this thread are not wrong, just arguing different sides of the same coin. Apparently, for the sake of arguing.
And everyone is getting way too sensitive. I saw someone criticizing an outsiders post saying Geno said something. First, he did ... I read it on the Boneyard. Second, there was nothing wrong with what Geno said . . . it doesn't even approach controversial. Third, the poster wasn't saying there was anything wrong with it, just using it for his own purposes. Legit usage of a public statement.
Where has the civility gone?
And everyone is getting way too sensitive. I saw someone criticizing an outsiders post saying Geno said something. First, he did ... I read it on the Boneyard. Second, there was nothing wrong with what Geno said . . . it doesn't even approach controversial. Third, the poster wasn't saying there was anything wrong with it, just using it for his own purposes. Legit usage of a public statement.
Where has the civility gone?
easttexastrash
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That's my opinion and I'm sticking with it.
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Phil
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Another option is to drop basketball from the Olympics.
msf22b
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According to UCMiami's excellent chart, large number of WNBA woman, returned from the Olympics unable or unwilling to play (at least not immediately). A portion of those players who had played through nagging injuries, refuse to do so now. There is nothing new or controversial about this statement, it is just a summery of what everyone knows.
But this information does not bode well for the league. The WNBA pay scale is so inadequate that the woman always have to juggle whether the fame and positive publicity of playing gained in performing in the most competitive league in the world justifies the wear and tear on their bodies in the light of the much greater compensation received elsewhere. The Olympics provided enough positive coverage for now, thank you, and we are discovering some very reluctant warriors returning (or not) to the grind.
Note the strong correlation between the contending teams and returned players (not perfect but strong). For those playing for a championship there is stronger incentive, for the others less so.
Down the road, this league is looking at significant trouble if it cannot modify its appeal and business plan.
But this information does not bode well for the league. The WNBA pay scale is so inadequate that the woman always have to juggle whether the fame and positive publicity of playing gained in performing in the most competitive league in the world justifies the wear and tear on their bodies in the light of the much greater compensation received elsewhere. The Olympics provided enough positive coverage for now, thank you, and we are discovering some very reluctant warriors returning (or not) to the grind.
Note the strong correlation between the contending teams and returned players (not perfect but strong). For those playing for a championship there is stronger incentive, for the others less so.
Down the road, this league is looking at significant trouble if it cannot modify its appeal and business plan.
msf22b
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Mechelle making more or less the same points form Liz G's perspective in a new piece.
http://espn.go.com/wnba/story/_/id/8314901/wnba-liz-cambage-prepares-pro-stint-china
http://espn.go.com/wnba/story/_/id/8314901/wnba-liz-cambage-prepares-pro-stint-china
msf22b
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Mechelle making more or less the same points form Liz G's perspective in a new piece.
http://espn.go.com/wnba/story/_/id/8314901/wnba-liz-cambage-prepares-pro-stint-china
http://espn.go.com/wnba/story/_/id/8314901/wnba-liz-cambage-prepares-pro-stint-china
1. That chart ignores that most of the players that are sitting out with the same injuries prior to the Olympics. What is the control that the chart is being compared to? You know the same type of complaints about the Olympics and World Championships get raised on the NBA side too full of anecdotal evidence of player injuries. When someone actually truly studied the impact of playing the national team what do you think the conclusion was?
2. In the NBA it is just as common for players to play through injuries when on a contending team and sit out on a lottery bound team.
3. This is an unique year where there are both the Olympics and a huge potential in the following draft making it especially compelling for teams not of a championship caliber not to try and squeeze out every last win because of the potential reward in the draft. Teams in the NBA take similar measures all the time for a much smaller chance at getting a player like Brittany Griner.
WNBA is less than ideal, but so are you ungrounded prognostications.
2. In the NBA it is just as common for players to play through injuries when on a contending team and sit out on a lottery bound team.
3. This is an unique year where there are both the Olympics and a huge potential in the following draft making it especially compelling for teams not of a championship caliber not to try and squeeze out every last win because of the potential reward in the draft. Teams in the NBA take similar measures all the time for a much smaller chance at getting a player like Brittany Griner.
WNBA is less than ideal, but so are you ungrounded prognostications.
U
UCONNfan1
Are you referring to the comments about the women's national team not getting enough respect? Because easttexas was talking about Geno saying DIANA wasn't getting the respect she deserved. In truth, Diana was talking specifically about the Women's National Team and all they have accomplished, and Geno agreed with her.
No Respect - Women's Team feels overlooked
If we win another gold medal it’s not going to be a huge story,” he said. “I want to make it a huge story because the respect that Dee’s talking about that these kids deserve for having done what they’ve done and been able to do it the way they do it should be appreciated. Greatness should be appreciated and not taken for granted."
Now if there are some comments out there where Geno is specifically talking about Diana (the player or person) not getting enough resepct, I'm not aware of it. .-.
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