I just heard about the hockey game between Latvia and the U.S. teams. They tied. Sadly, the U.S. team was all composed of NHL players when Latvia only had two.
I am soooooooo sick of seeing pro players in the Olympics. Yes, it was fun to watch them one year in Barcelona showing off their basketball circus but please no more. What do these professional league commissioners want? Money and American bragging rights? These pros don't even play as a team.
The Olympics was supposed to be a place for amateurs and college players. Please bring back our hopeful amateurs and have them represent the country!
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Sick of pros in the Olympics
Petition2God
Member Since: February 06, 2002
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 03:37 AM UTC
bgazso
Member Since: January 25, 2006
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 04:10 AM UTC
As Herb Brooks, the coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team said, paraphrasing, "A couple years after we won the gold medal they started using pro players. They called it a dream team. I dunno, doesn't seem like there's much of a dream in that."
Having pros in the Olympics sucks. I won't watch men's hockey or basketball. I mean, do pros really need millions of dollars AND a medal - oh, that's right, they hardly ever win anything. Hmmm, maybe having a team is better than a bunch of millionaires, huh?
It just verifies the stupidity of how far the nationalism has gone. Bring back Eddy the Eagle!
Barry
Having pros in the Olympics sucks. I won't watch men's hockey or basketball. I mean, do pros really need millions of dollars AND a medal - oh, that's right, they hardly ever win anything. Hmmm, maybe having a team is better than a bunch of millionaires, huh?
It just verifies the stupidity of how far the nationalism has gone. Bring back Eddy the Eagle!
Barry
Halfyank
Member Since: February 01, 2003
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 04:23 AM UTC
I have to agree with you. I still remember the old movie Jim Thorpe, All American. I don't know if it was 100% accurate but it claimed that he was stripped of his medals because he had once been played to play baseball durring summer break from school.
It's not just the Americans though, at least as far as hockey. The local NHL team, The Avalance, I understand has nine players playing on six different teams.
It's not just the Americans though, at least as far as hockey. The local NHL team, The Avalance, I understand has nine players playing on six different teams.
Clanky44
Member Since: September 15, 2005
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 04:30 AM UTC
My rant on the Olympics.....
First of all, no proffesionals allowed, as a Canadian I'm proud of my nations achievements, but give me a break! The mens team consisted of a line up of NHL'ers whole combined salary tops >$140 million, vs a bunch of industrial league Italian players!?!?!?!
Same goes for the NBA palyers
Eliminate all snowboarding from the Olympics! These pot heads have no respect for the history of the Olympics. Point in question.... the American girl who had her race won by a landslide, only to pull a stunt on her last jump and lose control and crash out, allowing the Swiss girl behind her to overtake her and take top prize!
No Curlers, these pot bellied twits, look more at home at a model contest than at the Olympics!!! Explain to me the athletic ability shown by these broom pushing rock tossing over the hill beer swillers?
There,........ I feel much better now.................
Frank
First of all, no proffesionals allowed, as a Canadian I'm proud of my nations achievements, but give me a break! The mens team consisted of a line up of NHL'ers whole combined salary tops >$140 million, vs a bunch of industrial league Italian players!?!?!?!
Same goes for the NBA palyers
Eliminate all snowboarding from the Olympics! These pot heads have no respect for the history of the Olympics. Point in question.... the American girl who had her race won by a landslide, only to pull a stunt on her last jump and lose control and crash out, allowing the Swiss girl behind her to overtake her and take top prize!
No Curlers, these pot bellied twits, look more at home at a model contest than at the Olympics!!! Explain to me the athletic ability shown by these broom pushing rock tossing over the hill beer swillers?
There,........ I feel much better now.................
Frank
slodder
Member Since: February 22, 2002
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 04:38 AM UTC
Im afraid it has turned into a game of "one-ups-manship" by each country.
We call them "Pros", other countries call them "State Sponsored" - The definition is too broad for 100% acceptance and everyone (country) wants to win.
I 'get' the whole achievement angle and raw competition 'thing'. The olympics have just lagged behind sponsorhip dollars. Is an NHL pro for the US treated equally to an NHL pro for "fill In the blank" country?
I have grown to diss-like the basketball side.... soon to diss-like the hockey side.
Big can-o-worms. So I watch the Biathalon.
We call them "Pros", other countries call them "State Sponsored" - The definition is too broad for 100% acceptance and everyone (country) wants to win.
I 'get' the whole achievement angle and raw competition 'thing'. The olympics have just lagged behind sponsorhip dollars. Is an NHL pro for the US treated equally to an NHL pro for "fill In the blank" country?
I have grown to diss-like the basketball side.... soon to diss-like the hockey side.
Big can-o-worms. So I watch the Biathalon.
airwarrior
Member Since: November 21, 2002
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 04:50 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I don't know about you, but as a snowboarder myself I love seeing snowboarding at the Olympics. Any disrespect is the athlete's fault, not the sports.Eliminate all snowboarding from the Olympics! These pot heads have no respect for the history of the Olympics. Point in question.... the American girl who had her race won by a landslide, only to pull a stunt on her last jump and lose control and crash out, allowing the Swiss girl behind her to overtake her and take top prize!
I too don't like the pros at the Olympics. Takes some of the fun out of the game, since there is no longer any "teamplay" only a bunch of guys trying to win a game by themselves.
AJLaFleche
Member Since: May 05, 2002
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 05:14 AM UTC
The concept of true amateur is long dead, for better or worse. Do you think any athelete can afford to train at the level expeted for the Olympics without serious sponsorship or a professional job in the sport? You think Nancy Kwan was flipping burgers the last four years and skating at the local rink before the breakfast shift? Remember Chariots of Fire when Abrams amateur status was questioned because he hired a coach? Not that long ago, winning the Boston Marathon meant a laurel wreath and a bowl of beef stew. All international level has become professional, overtly or covertly.
ShermiesRule
Member Since: December 11, 2003
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 05:15 AM UTC
I think that the other countries field their "pros" in the Olympics. The only reason the NHL and NBA didn't do it before was because it was part of the collective bargaining agreement.
Halfyank
Member Since: February 01, 2003
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 07:55 AM UTC
I've never set foot on a snow board but I like having them in the Olympics. There is something to be said for youthful enthusiam and those guys and gals have it in spades. I think it's fun to watch. My wife and daughter and I had a blast watching the snow board cross event. That was a blast.
I really feel sorry for that lady who blew it. She's not going to have anybody but herself to blame for the next four years.
I really feel sorry for that lady who blew it. She's not going to have anybody but herself to blame for the next four years.
NebLWeffah
Member Since: October 13, 2004
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 08:17 AM UTC
I'm of the opinion that they should drop 'team' sports altogether. The Olympics should be about individual achievement and not about who has the best sports team. If you want to send a group of speed skaters or bob sledders, that's one thing, but fielding a big team of overpriced hockey or basketball players...? come on....
I have to admit I'm cool with curling though... any game you can play with a beer in you hand's got my vote.(hahahahahaha).
I'm just sayin'......
I have to admit I'm cool with curling though... any game you can play with a beer in you hand's got my vote.(hahahahahaha).
I'm just sayin'......
Spades
Member Since: February 08, 2003
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 09:40 AM UTC
The ONLY dream team was the first dream team back in what.....1992 ???
But aside from that, yeah, I agree, the olympics were meant for the amateur's really. Just remember that the Soviets and others used "pro" athletes before the U.S. But...correct me if im wrong.
But aside from that, yeah, I agree, the olympics were meant for the amateur's really. Just remember that the Soviets and others used "pro" athletes before the U.S. But...correct me if im wrong.
USArmy2534
Member Since: January 28, 2004
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 09:54 AM UTC
Sick of pros in the Olympics
Meh. What can ya do? The world moves on. I try not to focus on their salaries but try to remember that they had to be some kind of good to get where they are.
Jeff
Meh. What can ya do? The world moves on. I try not to focus on their salaries but try to remember that they had to be some kind of good to get where they are.
Jeff
VonCuda
Member Since: November 28, 2005
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 10:28 AM UTC
I haven't watched 10 minutes of the Olympics in the past 10 years. I say take the Olympic games back to it's basic and fundamental roots the way it was started in Greece.
You show me 100 people snowboarding butt naked down a mountain and then maybe I'll tune in.
Hermon
You show me 100 people snowboarding butt naked down a mountain and then maybe I'll tune in.
Hermon
Henk
Member Since: August 07, 2004
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 10:50 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm of the opinion that they should drop 'team' sports altogether. The Olympics should be about individual achievement and not about who has the best sports team.
Exactly...
apart from beach volleyball.. oops sorry, wrong games..
DODGE01RT
Member Since: February 09, 2004
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 10:51 AM UTC
Quoted Text
The concept of true amateur is long dead, for better or worse. Do you think any athelete can afford to train at the level expeted for the Olympics without serious sponsorship or a professional job in the sport? You think Nancy Kwan was flipping burgers the last four years and skating at the local rink before the breakfast shift? Remember Chariots of Fire when Abrams amateur status was questioned because he hired a coach? Not that long ago, winning the Boston Marathon meant a laurel wreath and a bowl of beef stew. All international level has become professional, overtly or covertly.
The CDN who got the Gold in the skeleton is a full time fire fighter.He's also 39 years old (oldest to ever win a medal) and only been doing it for 6 years.
So I agree the pro players should be gone,but there are still some surprises!
Jim
tankfixer
Member Since: October 15, 2005
entire network: 283 Posts
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 11:14 AM UTC
I'm just sick of the Olympics. What a waste
Petition2God
Member Since: February 06, 2002
entire network: 1,526 Posts
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 11:44 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm just sick of the Olympics. What a waste
Ouch! That's one controversial comment! I would definitely disagree.
Petition2God
Member Since: February 06, 2002
entire network: 1,526 Posts
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 12:16 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextThe concept of true amateur is long dead, for better or worse. Do you think any athelete can afford to train at the level expeted for the Olympics without serious sponsorship or a professional job in the sport? You think Nancy Kwan was flipping burgers the last four years and skating at the local rink before the breakfast shift? Remember Chariots of Fire when Abrams amateur status was questioned because he hired a coach?
The CDN who got the Gold in the skeleton is a full time fire fighter.He's also 39 years old (oldest to ever win a medal) and only been doing it for 6 years.
Jim
Yes, I must agree with Jim on this one. There are many athletes who do not compete under the heavy sponsorship like Michelle Kwan. Like that CDN fire fighter, my friend knows a guy who won a medal in wrestling for the Atlanta game, who owns a sandwich shop and is a part-time gospel singer. How cool is that? Wrestling was his hobby I would say?
Tapper
Member Since: July 26, 2003
entire network: 664 Posts
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 01:57 PM UTC
The women speed skaters in their skin-tight uniforms is always a good watch. You know, because of the athletics of it. Ya, the athletics of it, thats it.
Joker
Member Since: May 28, 2004
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Posted: Friday, February 17, 2006 - 09:14 PM UTC
Yep, out with the pros. I'd prefer to see the mens hockey made up from Junior A players, who play with heart and not a paycheque ( more or less). Basketball was a joke,cycling is made up of the pro ranks and aren't they thinking about golf?, maybe not so much.....
"State sponsorship" has been going on for a very long time, and won't go away but I would try and limit it's involvment to coaching and suppling athletes with facilities and equipment, not necessarily a paycheque, hey Home Depot/Starbucks/Canadian Tire hires people all the time.It was nice to see the fireman win, very cool.
At this time I've just heard our Canadian "pro" hockey team is losing to the Swiss hockey team, I'm kinda laughing..but not too loud, it's "our" national sport you know, or is that lacrosse?
My 2 cents
Pete
"State sponsorship" has been going on for a very long time, and won't go away but I would try and limit it's involvment to coaching and suppling athletes with facilities and equipment, not necessarily a paycheque, hey Home Depot/Starbucks/Canadian Tire hires people all the time.It was nice to see the fireman win, very cool.
At this time I've just heard our Canadian "pro" hockey team is losing to the Swiss hockey team, I'm kinda laughing..but not too loud, it's "our" national sport you know, or is that lacrosse?
My 2 cents
Pete
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