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Hammon For Russia

submitted by STLnTDOT
March 04, 2008 | 26 comments |

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So it is becoming highly publicized that Becky Hammon has received her Russian citizenship and is now eligible to play for Russia in the Olympic team. The Russian coach Igor Grudin has already stated his intention to call her up for the preparation camp.

Now there are all kinds of people calling her traitor, saying it's bad for her career. The Olympics are not war! Let's get that straight first. It's sports. No one seems to have a problem with her playing overseas in Russia right now. No one had a problem with her playing in the FIBA championships and spanking Team USA, so why now?

It's this patriotic bulls!t that everyone is on. But regardless.... its the Olympics. No one had an issue when Hakeem Olajuwon became a naturalized citizen to play with Team USA!

I think the USA Olympic Committee is trippin in the first place for not just saying "YO BECK YOU ARE ON THE ROSTER!"

How does Becky Hammon... runner up for MVP last year not get on the roster?

There have been people saying that she rejected Team USA's offer, but Becky did go to train with Team USA for evaluation and training for the 2008 Olympics and then when they asked her back she was already committed to something else and why break one commitment when you are pretty sure the coaching staff is going to go with the ones they already have anyway? I mean I was actually surprised when they invited JMac and god was I happy to see her show and prove!

Kelly Miller has already said she would play for Russia if the invite was extended. Deanna Nolan is also eligible.

But let's not forget about the hefty paycheck the Russians would be willing to pay for one of their services! I mean for the most part yes, Hammon and Nolan are getting paid decent wages, but not when you look at other pro athletes and compare them pound for pound. And Russia is throwing serious cash around.

But everyone seems to be worried about what Hammon is going to do.

Is it the girl next door image?

And by the way, how does Nolan not get on the Team USA roster???

I think about the college tour Team USA had in the fall and I wonder how people like Jamie Carey got on the roster but Nolan and Hammon didn't. Makes no sense to me. Commitments to the side, I think Team USA just wasn't and isn't feeling Hammon nor Nolan for this roster.

Becky Hammon (and Deanna Nolan for that matter) should be a given for Team USA just like Bird, Taurasi, & Parker. But instead it seems as if the Olympic Committee has decided that they want to give Lisa Leslie and Swoopes another shot. COME ON MAN!

AND by the way.............. is Maya Moore eligible to compete with the Olympic team?? LOL Lets get her! But then again.... this is the Olympic Committee we are talking about, they probably won't recognize her talents until 2012!

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26 Comments On: "Hammon For Russia"

	1. use2B1 , March 04, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Becky is not the first to do this or the last. Why single her out and lable her the "traitor"?

	2. STLnTDOT , March 04, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	I totally agree, I say let her do her thing, she will choose what is best for her.

	3. Jess12 , March 05, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Vale que Hammon no es llamada por USA y quiera jugar unos Juegos Olímpicos y de esta forma lo puede conseguir, pero no ha jugado ya con su selección? Si ya has jugado no hay una norma que te impida jugar con otra? Por que creo recordar que en 2006 se puso la camiseta norteamericana en un torneo. Si finalmente juega con Rusia será muy dificil de parar, por que si ya tienen buenas jugadoras con ella sube un poco mas el nivel. Y Miller, no era ella la elegida?

	4. STLnTDOT , March 05, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	My spanish definitely needs to improve. But Miller, has spoke up and said she would play for Russia if she is asked. As of yet I dont think Igor Grudin has called any "naturalized" Russian (meaning American), up for training. He is most likely waiting for the Russian Superleague season to come to an end. In 2006 Hammon did in fact train with Team USA, but lets face it, in my opinion, even since 2006 Becky Hammon's game has stepped up and she has become an even stronger leader. Im just confused as to why she wasnt a given to be on the roster.

	5. shrrew , March 06, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	I think any athlete who has an Olympic Dream should follow that dream even if it means they play for a country they were not born in. The Olympics transcend nationalities. It confers WORLD-CLASS athleticism! This discussion should not even be happening!

	6. STLnTDOT , March 06, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Well I agree, if she wants to play in the Olympics and another country is giving her that opportunity then she should take it.

	7. Cattywampus , March 16, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Hakeem Olajuwon moved to the U.S. and as far as I know continues to live here. Is Hammon really planning to move to Russia, or is she just becoming a Russian citizen so she can win a gold medal? She just signed a contract extension to play with San Antonio, so she's obviously not planning on living full-time in Russia. Hammon is 30 years old and is small for her position. There is plenty of talent on the USA roster, many talented players will not make the team simply because there are so many good players in the US.

	8. STLnTDOT , March 18, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Hammon..... MVP runner up last season. Regardless if she is small for her size or not she is one of the best in the WNBA right now. Hammon wont make the US roster so Im saying more power to her to play with Russia. Its a chance of a lifetime. And most likely her last. She got the Russian citizenship for the same reasons that alot of players get foriegn passports, to allow the foreign teams they play for to bring in more americans to play for them, make travel easier, and well in Hammons case it opens up the door to play on the Russian National Team.

	9. logan24 , March 19, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Becky's personal goals will NEVER transcend what the Olympics stand for and I would hate to see her actually win a gold medal and stand there in acceptance as our country fights in a war and fights to keep us safe and free. There have been 4,076 troops killed in 799 days of battle that will never receive a raise…will never have fans cheering… will never receive a gold medal! I know this may be extreme but this IS BIGGER than Becky…this is bigger than sports…This is about doing what is right and carrying yourself through a decision based on truth and patriotism and not one made in vain. This about sustaining true American pride and that only stands true when one refuses to waiver regardless of self-promotion or self-motivation- true pride transcends any personal agenda. As for other players playing for the US Olympic team, that's not a step down for them...this is for Becky... she didn't get picked at the play ground and now she is taking her ball and playing for Russia…"I'll show them!" But at what cost?

	10. logan24 , March 19, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Becky's personal goals will NEVER transcend what the Olympics stand for and I would hate to see her actually win a gold medal and stand there in acceptance as our country fights in a war and fights to keep us safe and free. There have been 4,076 troops killed in 799 days of battle that will never receive a raise…will never have fans cheering… will never receive a gold medal! I know this may be extreme but this IS BIGGER than Becky…this is bigger than sports…This is about doing what is right and carrying yourself through a decision based on truth and patriotism and not one made in vain. this about sustaining true American pride and that only stands true when one refuses to waiver regardless of self-promotion or self-motivation- true patriotism transcends any personal agenda. As for other players playing for the US Olympic team, that was not a step down…this is- she didn't get picked at the play ground and now she is taking her ball and playing for Russia…"I'll show them!"...But at what cost?

	11. STLnTDOT , March 21, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	UMMMM.... this is sports, this isnt war. AND she would be playing for Russia.... we arent at war with Russia. And like I said this is sports and people need to look at it like that..... SPORTS. And as far as the ar goes... dont get me started because Yardbarker definitely isnt the place I would discuss that and the "good ole boys" running the country. I say If Becky wants to go play for Russia, more power to her, shoot I might even go buy a Russian Hammon jersey!

	13. use2B1 , March 23, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Sports compared to war? Well I have to agree that the two shouldn't be compared. The Olympics is about the spirit of competition and yes, representing your country. The "games" bring the world together, its a showcase of the best athletes the world has to offer. Not about hating the opponent. I have found myself cheering on other countries because of what they bring to the table. The German's women soccer team is exciting to watch and they have a key player that I look forward to seeing play. (Birgit Prinz) Although I don't particulary care for Team USA losing to them, it is great competition, and that is what I watch the Olympics for. Hate, death, destruction and terror can not be included with what the Olympic GAMES are about. Two different topics, two different situations.

	14. tvgeek , May 24, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	I am not sure why Becky is doing this, but I wish her all the best.

	15. tinheart , May 25, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	If Becky weren't any good, no one would care. People aren't so angry about Becky playing for Russia, they're angry that Becky's contribution might put Russia's talent over the top and lead to a US defeat. It's about embarrassment. The question would then become, "why didn't the US team choose Becky Hammon?" in case of a US loss in the Olympics, and the people in charge of the US team would face a lot of nasty questions. Frankly, I stopped caring about the Olympics the second the rules were changed to allow our all-professional "Dream Team". I wish Becky all the best as well.

	16. cronic , May 28, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	7 figures people.. 7 figures. $$.. now.. ask yourself.. Would you play for that amount in another country. The girl is playing basketball for the most money she can get.... sounds pretty smart to me

	17. jasondarity , June 06, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Will Becky be cheering for the USA to win gold? If not, she's not American. Will Becky be singing the American National anthem when Team USA wins Gold and Russia sits at Silver or Bronze? Will Becky be honoring and waving the American flag with pride at opening ceremonies? You can't compare pro teams to the Olympics and say that's the same thing. It's about national pride and identity and if Becky isn't hoping for Team USA to win Gold, she's not American. She's like one of those hot chicks that look good at first, but once you learn how much they get around, you sort of lose all interest despite her looks...yuck.

	18. Procarver , June 07, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Becky is a great player, and has come a long way with her hard work. Who are we to judge her??? The Team USA is crazy to not have her AND Deanna Nolan. They have both been dissed for so long by America. Who wants to watch the same ole same ole every year. These two have both been treated poorly by this country. I am proud of Becky that she has the guts to go where she can have the best chance for getting what she wants, the chance to play in the Olympics. It takes a lot of guts and I say GO BECKY! It has nothing to do with polotics and war. That is just crazy to compare. This is about having dreams and going after them. SO Becky desrves our support and I will be there to cheer her on.

	19. JNorr35 , June 14, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	I dont understand how anyone can call themselves a patriotic American...then go out on the court with a Russian jersey on..and do everything in her power to take down her home country...how does that make sense???

	20. bobtony , June 14, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Its a sad day for all Americans when our atheletes look abroad to thier Olympic dreams. Instead of being true to our American ideals of hard work and perseverence, why not jump into a less competative arena for a bigger paycheck. I feel sorry for Becky, I can't imagine giving up my American citizenship for a chance at a little medallion that will only be lost in the annauls of history, only to be outlasted by the sad desperation of an athelete that has forgotten the meaning of being part of a team.

	21. mijoda , June 15, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Becky Hammon has a right to play for Russia if she feels that that is best for her career. As a 57 year-old who lived through the Cold War and the epic Olympic competitions between Russia and the USA in basketball, hockey, and sports, I have the right not to root for her and not to support any team that she might play for.

	22. SA1fan , June 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	I am as patriotic as they come having served in duty stations all over the world during my time in the service so if I choose to acquire dual citizenship with anothe country or to cheer on another country in a sporting event (which happens to have team members from around the world on both teams), that somehow makes me unpatriotic? Some of you folks need to get a life. The olympics have become so commercialized that you can;t say that it is about national honor or pride. If you need the olympics to have those two things then we are hurting in a bad way. Many of the same professional athletes that you pay signficant dollars to go watch in basketball, hockey, baseball, etc... are from other countries and in many, if not most cases, go back to their country of origin to play for their olympic teams. If their country did not select them to play on the team for their own country, and we opened our doors to them to play for us, you would not say a word. If Becky believes that she is good enough to play (and most of us agree that she is and should be on the team), then you don;t have the right to judge her for doing what she thinks is best for her and her career. The fact that she can make more money playing on the Russian olympic team for one olympic session than she can make in an entire season in the WNBA is a no-brainer. I am from San Antonio and I'll be pulling for both Becky and the U.S. team and if the U.S. team loses to the Russians, I guess then the olympic team coaches and committee will have to question their decision. I personally think they will! As someone above stated, when they started letting professional athletes into the picture it became pure commercialism and less about national pride. The olympics are about money to everyone involved!

	25. fastone , July 24, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	becky, please don't call yourself an american anymore because anyone who would give up their citizenshio or loyalty to their country for a dream of a game isn't much of a patriot anyway.

	26. fastone , July 24, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Why do we even have 'dual - citizenships'? They shouldn't be allowed. Citizenship for convenience is just plain Wrong!

	28. 352529 , August 11, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	If some of you don't know then let me tell you....US women's basketball is one of the most politicals sports out there....If any of you have ever watch Becky Hammon play you know she should have been on the Olympic team....I can name about 5 people that she is better than....and i know someone said above that Deanna Nolan should be on the Olympic team...SO TRUE...she is the hardest player to defend in the world...When those two are not on the Olympic team you have to wonder....I'm not hatin on the girls that made it but Nolan and Hammon should have been included....but politics play such a big part in women's basktball. If you think this will hurt Hammons career you're wrong....she just getting more money and will be back in time enough to continue the WNBA season....and then go back to russia to stack her money even more....i respect her for making the decision that she made...and having to deal with ignorant people that don't understand its a sport....the olympics brings nations together....China's solgan is One World One Dream....get on broad....and leave your judgements behind.... ps i know some of you have found yourself cheering for another country just cause they are great....or Americans just not in that event....does that make you unpatriotic?????

	30. kenwoods , August 17, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	Becky Hammon should have thr right to do what she wants. She is a star and it's the US's fault for not picking her. Good on Russia for picking her up and hopefully they win Gold and she leads them to it.

	32. gimp1234 , August 21, 2008 \| Reply	0 pts \| \| \|
	yeah i'm awsome