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| Courtesy: Harry How/Getty Images |
Is there no pride in the United States anymore? Is there no pride in representing your country?
Those
are questions I believe are hot topics as our society
changes. Whether because social networking, technology, growing
knowledge or the world beyond, or a sheer lack of respect by upcoming
generations, pride in this nation seems to have become, dare I say,
casual. Almost fashionable. It is to a point where we only have pride in the red, white,
and blue when some major catastrophe happens, a dictator is captured, or
when it is the Olympic games. However, I will say, we do come together
pretty strong during those moments.
Still,
the growing lack of pride and integrity in everything that is whole and
right with the land of the free and the home of the brave is alarming.
Which is why when I came across the news blurb on stating that Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen believe Olympic athletes should get paid, it ignited a fire to punch the keys.
As
the 2012 Summer Olympics near, the issue for many of our professional
athletes that represent our country of extending their usual calendar
workload to include competing in the games arises. The human
body needs rest. And these professional athletes' bodies are what earns
them their living, their livelihood, and yes, their income.
This is the driving argument for Allen and Wade.
Further
claims the two argued, which are very valid points, that Olympic duties take them away from personal endeavors
such as camps (which are indeed huge income generating programs),
charity functions, personal time, and as mentioned above, that valuable
rest needed from the previous, and for the upcoming NBA season.
Both
then went on to acknowledge the jersey sales and memorabilia which are
made and sold off of their Olympic commitment, revenue which are never
seen by the athletes.
And
finally, Allen and Wade feel the added monetary incentive would help
entice more players to want to represent their country.
Wow.
I'm
not dismissing their arguments at all, as part of this great nation and
our society is free enterprise and the right to increase ones happiness
through wealth.
And well, sports is indeed a business. We can't be naive to that.
However, when did representing our country need to come with monetary value?
When was wearing those initials, U-S-A, across your chest not enough?
When was being the very best in the world at what you do not enough?
There
are athletes that make very
little compared to Allen and Wade in other not-as-popular sports who
still dedicate themselves, sacrifice, and give their talents to this
nation. They are willing to do so under lesser circumstances (and in many
cases, less luxurious ways) to simply to bring home a gold medal.
I understand the modern athlete is now savvy to business ventures, but once again, seriously?
Without
an Olympic stage, to which you, the modern athlete, have an opportunity
to expand your "brand", monetary funds will not be possible. The money
made through the Olympic channel for USA basketball goes directly to
funding youth tournaments, programs, and grassroots programs across the nation.
But let me guess, those programs don't have your name on them and don't benefit you in any way, so it doesn't matter, right?
I hope not.
And
as far as feeling slighted because you have to give up rest, personal
gain, and personal time to represent your country - I dare you to
present that excuse to a member of our military.
And
one last point, which Head of USA basketball, Jerry Colangelo,
repeatedly addressed in response to Allen and Wade's claims,
"representing your country is a choice."
A choice!
A choice, many hold in high regard, honor, and prestige.
Somewhere along the line, the color green became more important than red, white, and blue.
Somewhere, somehow, we've lost site of that, have taken it for
granted, and because of that, we've lost our pride, integrity, and passion for our country.
I
would urge Allen, Wade, and those who agree with him to watch the scene
from Miracle. A scene which gives me chills every time. Every. Single.
Time.
In the scene, USA Hockey coach, Herb Brooks asks his players, "who do you play for?"
Each
player responds with their respective collegiate team to which they are
then summoned to complete numerous ragged sprints. After doing this
multiple times, one student finally gets it, steps up, states his name,
and says, "I play for the United States of America".
Priceless. It's a statement that has no value.
Then why are we attempting to place a price tag on it?