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Tuesday, 10 January 2006 |
Some NBA stars are saying no to 2008 Olympics
Miami's Shaquille O'Neal says he is still considering his options but
San Antonio's Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett of Minnesota have both
already said no.
US national basketball boss Jerry Colangelo has met with a
poor response so far from NBA stars asked about taking part in the 2008
Olympics in Beijing.
Jerry Colangelo said: "The perception of Americans around the world is not good - we're not held in very high esteem.
"But this is an opportunity to make a contribution and change attitudes."
Several big names also declined to take part in the 2004 Athen Games, where the US were disappointed to win only bronze.
Shaquille O'Neal, who helped the US to gold in Atlanta in 1996, was one
of those who skipped Athens, and also missed the 2000 Olympics in
Sydney.
But he said: "I respect Jerry Colangelo and I told him I would really consider it (being available for Beijing)."
Part of the reason for the indecision and refusals by the players to
take part is the build-up to 2008 is already under way, and anyone in
the US squad is also signing up for a host of other international
commitments. It is impossible for them to be in two places at the same
time.
Shaquille O'Neal, 33, said. "I wouldn't mind being on the team, but I
think some of the younger guys should step up. I think it's their
responsibility."
Shaquille O'Neal added that the decision by former Lakers teammate Kobe
Bryant to be in the US squad for 2008 would not be factor. There has
been animosity between the two players in the past.
Duke University coach Mike Krzyzewski has been named US coach for the build-up to the Beijing Games.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 13 January 2006 )
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