USA B-Ball Team Gets the Bronze

Yes, it’s another sports post.

Just yesterday, I was listening to Dennis Prager expound on a study which contrasted the demeanors of silver-medal and bronze-medal winners when observed on the winner’s platform. The upshot was that silver-medal winners were generally a subdued bunch, while bronze-medal winners were generally overjoyed. Dennis’ conclusion: it was a matter of perspective. Silver medalists compared themselves upward (to the gold medalists) and bronze medalists compared themselves downward (to everyone who didn’t make it to the platform).

I found myself wondering how the beleaguered and much-maligned 2004 USA Olympic basketball team would react if they, somehow, made it up on that platform, even if it was just to accept the bronze.

And, then, what do they do? They manage to get there.

"We wanted gold but we'll take anything right now," said forward Shawn Marion. "When you ain't playing for gold and your [sic; come on, Reuters] playing for third, it hurts. We had to dig deep down but at least we are going home with something."

Allen Iverson:

“…we came here to represent our country the best we could. We didn't want to go back without a medal. I'm glad we finished the tournament on a positive note."

Now, there are some Olympians who were likely extremely happy to set foot upon the much-coveted platform.

My compliments, gentlemen. At least you showed up.

(Thanks to EBrown at Vision Circle and to Lucianne.com)

Comments

[torchy]

And last but not least, the fine coaching of Larry Brown, good job men. Let's not forget they are playing foreign teams with more and more NBA players on their rosters.

[David Anderson]

You know, this is one I have to dissagree with you on. These guys are not military, they have no obligation to put themselves in harms way, and it could be reasonably assummed that Athens could be a major target of terrorist. I would have went. Hell as a Sports fan I would die for the opportunity to participate in something like the olympics. But I dont blame anyone for not wanting to put themselces in harms way.

[Born Free]

from the link to ESPN:

"Despite the hypocritical, rabid patriotism displayed immediately after 9/11..."

hmmmmm