Ginobili does not regret playing in the Olympics

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http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Ginobili_does_not_regret_playing_in_Olympics.html (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Ginobili_does_not_regret_playing_in_Olympics.html)

Ginobili does not regret playing in Olympics
Mike Monroe (http://www.mysanantonio.com/email_us?contentID=27419914)- Express-News

After more than an hour on a runway in Beijing, another 12 in the air, an hour clearing customs at Chicago's O'Hare Airport and three more waiting for a connecting flight, Spurs star Manu Ginobili arrived at San Antonio International Airport late Monday night and discovered the truth about heroes.

When it comes to lost luggage, Olympic medalists get no special favors.

Missing were three of the four bags he and his wife had checked in Beijing, where Ginobili collected a bronze medal as the leading scorer for the Argentine Olympic team.

“I actually got 25 percent — three out of four (were missing),” Ginobili said.

Ginobili's value to the Spurs was reinforced. There to retrieve him was coach Gregg Popovich, who planted a kiss on his cheek as he spirited him away from a brief interview session.

The two had spoken by phone after Ginobili suffered another injury Friday to the left ankle that had hampered him during the Spurs' playoff run. The Spurs medical staff will re-examine Ginobili's ankle this week, though Popovich made it clear Ginobili's first priority is getting some rest.

“He's been on a plane a long time,” Popovich said as he ushered him out of the terminal.

Ginobili said Popovich had not questioned his decision to play in the Olympics, despite the injury in Argentina's loss to the United States in the Olympic semifinal round.

“That's how it felt from 8,000 miles away,” Ginobili said. “He understood, and I was truthful from what I said from the beginning. I felt great for a month-and-a-half. I guess it was going to happen sooner or later, and it did. So now I have a month to rehab it.”

The injury did not diminish Ginobili's pride in earning his second Olympic medal.

“I'm so proud, so happy to represent our country the way we did it, in accomplishing the big goal, which was to get to the podium,” Ginobili said. “They said that for us, it would be once in a lifetime. For us, it was two times in a lifetime, so we are very happy.”

[hater]

damn Pop picked him up?

he must really miss nba season :lol

[Los Spurs]

I love my BEAST!

[sassystriker]

NICE!! SO PROUD OF MANU!! Dammit!! I just love him!!

[carina_gino20]

Pop was just prepping Manu up for his epic tirade! :lol

Too bad about the bags. I hope he had his bronze medal in the 25%. :lol

[lefty]

Manu you're the best !!!!

[timvp]

Classy move by Pop. Any perceived tension or uneasiness has already been handled a month before training camp.

Time for Manu to get healed and try to get another one.

[carina_gino20]

WOAI Video: Manu back in SA (http://www.woai.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=586956)

Now THAT is how you end an interview. :lol Classic Pop.

[Bartleby]

As much as it must have pained Pop to watch Manu playing (and re-injuring himself) in the Olympics, I'm sure he fully respects and understands Manu's decision. There are few people in the NBA as quietly patriotic as they are.

[timvp]

WOAI Video: Manu back in SA (http://www.woai.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=586956)

Now THAT is how you end an interview. :lol Classic Pop.

Nice find :tu

[pad300]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Ginobili_does_not_regret_playing_in_Olympics.html (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Ginobili_does_not_regret_playing_in_Olympics.html)

...
There to retrieve him was coach Gregg Popovich, who planted a kiss on his cheek as he spirited him away from a brief interview session.

...

Popovich said as he ushered him out of the terminal.

...



Classy move by Pop. Any perceived tension or uneasiness has already been handled a month before training camp.

Time for Manu to get healed and try to get another one.

I dunno TiMVP, remember Omerta.

Brought home... given the ceremonial kiss (of death) on the cheek... Quickly spirited away from interviews and ushered out of the terminal...

Has anyone seen Manu since? Peter Holt has lots of earthmoving equipment. Think about it. No one is around to see them lift a section of the AT&T center floor and fill it back in. :(

[J.T.]

Time for Manu to get healed and try to get another one.

NBA doesn't give out bronze medals, just silver balls.

[carina_gino20]

Nice find :tu

Pop has impeccable timing, too. :lol

Loved Manu's reaction when he first saw Pop.:)

[samikeyp]

WOAI Video: Manu back in SA (http://www.woai.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=586956)

Now THAT is how you end an interview. :lol Classic Pop.

Good stuff!

[century]

That's leadership. Pop is the man.:toast

We'd be fools to think that Manu's not gonna get it BCD.

[spurschick]

Pop was just prepping Manu up for his epic tirade! :lol


Does Manu speak Serbian? :lol

[E20]

Manu looks like a camper lmao.

[Cherry]

WOAI Video: Manu back in SA (http://www.woai.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=586956)

Now THAT is how you end an interview. :lol Classic Pop.

:lol :tu

[urunobili]

Classy move by Pop. Any perceived tension or uneasiness has already been handled a month before training camp.

Time for Manu to get healed and try to get another one.

i am just STUNNED by Pop's class... when you see Manu's reaction when he saw him you can't do anything but acknowledge how much of a family this core is... Pop happy for him.. being there for him to let Manu know he got his back no matter what... man i love my Spurs... :flag:

[EJK5032]

WOAI Video: Manu back in SA (http://www.woai.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=586956)

Now THAT is how you end an interview. :lol Classic Pop.


That is the best video ever ! That one video tells you everything you need to know about this team. There is no way that would have happened on any other team in the NBA. Somehow I can't picture Phil Jackson picking up Kobe at the airport. Every team in the NBA has been trying to copy the Spurs system, but the one thing they can't replicate is the people. It is the family-like chemistry, competitiveness, and pride that makes this team a winner year after year.

[SenorSpur]

That scene was reminiscent of prodigal son returning home to a giddy Dad. Pop is a funny, funny dude. But also a caring, genuine guy. It was also funny watching Manu's reaction as he was being whisked away in the CIAmobile. I'm sure Manu and his wife were touched by Pop concern.

On the flip side, Manu's love of country and his teammates are also very genuine and very evident. While I wished he hadn't risked himself to injury by playing in the game, I understand his passion and sincerity. Nothing fake or contrived about it.

[Tully365]

What a great story. Pop shows why his players are dedicated to him and his leadership. I'm impressed by the intelligence of both Pop and Manu, and I'm sure they'll move forward from here and make the best decisions regarding the ankle, whether that be rest or surgery. I'm pretty sure even though Pop didn't want him to play in the Olympics, that he, as an ex-military guy and patriot, would very likely have made the same decision if put in Manu's position. Regardless, they are both wise enough to not waste time dwelling on an unchangeable past, and will deal with the situation at hand.

[Spurs Brazil]

That's a great video :lol Pop

Look at Manu face when he saw Pop :lol

[DaDakota]

You guys are lucky to have Pop....

DD

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

That's a great video :lol Pop

Look at Manu face when he saw Pop :lol

That was the best, most telling part of that video. Manu looked genuinely excited to see Pop. That was awesome.



Of course, I'm glad they specified that that was Pop picking him up because from my perspective it appeared that Manu was being kidnapped by a homeless man.

[Tully365]

That was the best, most telling part of that video. Manu looked genuinely excited to see Pop. That was awesome.



Of course, I'm glad they specified that that was Pop picking him up because from my perspective it appeared that Manu was being kidnapped by a homeless man.

:lol Yeah, Pop looks funny in shorts.

[beirmeistr]

That was the best, most telling part of that video. Manu looked genuinely excited to see Pop. That was awesome.



Of course, I'm glad they specified that that was Pop picking him up because from my perspective it appeared that Manu was being kidnapped by a homeless man.



...Manu was being kidnapped by a homeless man-----that is hilarious!

[angel_luv]

Welcome home, MG! :)

I can't wait to go home and see the posted video. :)

[angel_luv]

...Manu was being kidnapped by a homeless man-----that is hilarious!

Very! :lol

[angel_luv]

WOAI Video: Manu back in SA (http://www.woai.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=586956)

Now THAT is how you end an interview. :lol Classic Pop.


That was awesome! Thanks for posting! :)

[Quasar]

Pop said something in the video but it was covered by the "Cuss you Cuss you" (???) comment...

What did he say? :)

[benefactor]

I have given Manu a lot of crap about perhaps lying about being healthy and playing anyway...but his sincerity in video seemed very genuine. He did what he had to do and I will no longer fault him for it.

Get well Manu...and take as long as possible. :toast

[anakha]

Popovich has been handling this so far with more class than, ahem, certain people who have less invested in Ginobili than he does.

[Allanon]

Somehow I can't picture Phil Jackson picking up Kobe at the airport.

:rollin

[mytespurs]

I hope Manu & Many got their bags returned. Any word on their lost bags?

Thanks for the video. Manu is the so sweet...geez, I love him so as a person and a player!!! :toast

And Manu shouldn't have any regrets!!!

Very cool that Pop picked them up from the airport. :D

[Manufan909]

Shit Manu looked like the hobo. He looked like the shit getting the medal though. He just needs to think seriously about rogaine or having a buzz cut, cuz that shit looks bad from the view fans get. Course only people like Yao, Shaq, and Tim see it in real life.

[Tully365]

Popovich has been handling this so far with more class than, ahem, certain people who have less invested in Ginobili than he does.

:lol
If Manu gets the flu anytime in the next year, his critics will say it's probably the Asian flu! See? He shouldn't have gone to the evil Olympics!!!

[timvp]

Of course, I'm glad they specified that that was Pop picking him up because from my perspective it appeared that Manu was being kidnapped by a homeless man.

:lmao

[ShoogarBear]

:lmao that you guys don't think Pop chewed that ass all the way home.

Manu to himself at terminal: "Oh, shit . . . . "

[carina_gino20]

Of course, I'm glad they specified that that was Pop picking him up because from my perspective it appeared that Manu was being kidnapped by a homeless man.

Looks like he just got out of bed and went straight to the airport. :lol And nice recovery by Don.

[Slippy]

What a great story. Pop shows why his players are dedicated to him and his leadership. I'm impressed by the intelligence of both Pop and Manu, and I'm sure they'll move forward from here and make the best decisions regarding the ankle, whether that be rest or surgery. I'm pretty sure even though Pop didn't want him to play in the Olympics, that he, as an ex-military guy and patriot, would very likely have made the same decision if put in Manu's position. Regardless, they are both wise enough to not waste time dwelling on an unchangeable past, and will deal with the situation at hand.


Best way to handle it. Pop's more than just a coach to spurs players. His caring side is an asset to the team.

[Sii]

What a great story. Pop shows why his players are dedicated to him and his leadership. I'm impressed by the intelligence of both Pop and Manu, and I'm sure they'll move forward from here and make the best decisions regarding the ankle, whether that be rest or surgery. I'm pretty sure even though Pop didn't want him to play in the Olympics, that he, as an ex-military guy and patriot, would very likely have made the same decision if put in Manu's position. Regardless, they are both wise enough to not waste time dwelling on an unchangeable past, and will deal with the situation at hand.

This.

Pop has already diffused this whole situation. The master.

[Manufan909]

CIA Pop making it seem likes it all good, and getting oraised on top of that by the oh so influential ST posters.

Good play, sir.:toast

[David@SLCC]

I hope Manu's bags made it ok. United Airlines can be pretty bad at times when it comes to finding lost baggage. I wouldn't be surprised if the mix-up happened at the Beijing airport as there have been so many passengers and flights going in-and-out of town these last few days.

[spurschick]

:lmao that you guys don't think Pop chewed that ass all the way home.

Manu to himself at terminal: "Oh, shit . . . . "

:lol:lol That's exactly how I interpreted the look on his face when he saw Pop.

If you were Manu, would you have put your bronze medal in your checked luggage or in your carry-on bag? Just wondering if that puppy is somewhere in the lost luggage. :wow

[Spuradicator]

WOAI Video: Manu back in SA (http://www.woai.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=586956)

Now THAT is how you end an interview. :lol Classic Pop.


Great video! :toast

[Yuixafun]

Pop has impeccable timing, too. :lol

Loved Manu's reaction when he first saw Pop.:)


I replayed that moment too, watching Manu's face and eyes as he looked up and saw Pop.

I think he was apologizing for a split second, but then realized that Pop had no anger towards him, and Manu was relieved, tired but at peace.

I think Manu has an amazing year after he recovers from the injury.

Last season his concentration was not there being pulled in many directions.

Now he can breath and do what he does best, make us stand up and cheer. Can I get a fist pump!?

[kolko]

If you were Manu, would you have put your bronze medal in your checked luggage or in your carry-on bag? Just wondering if that puppy is somewhere in the lost luggage. :wow

The medal is safe :wow

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3755/52764625se2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3755/52764625se2.2c4ed824d1.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=521&i=52764625se2.jpg)

[ducks]

I hope he does not regret more security with an extentions tell he is proven he is healthy

[duncan228]

The medal is safe :wow

Nice pic. Thanks for posting it.

[wisnub]

A man should not regret playing for his country.....Your country is WAYY MUCH BIGGER than NBA. I am not a pure nationalist..but i know how to contribute whenever your country need you. Manu play for his country and carrying the flag in the opening ceremony...that is his pride as an Argentinian and he knows his teammate from national team need him badly. I hate Manu playing for Olympics coz that would make his injury worse, but I completely understand the measure of a man is in the time of need,not in a prosperous time....not only playing for the country,one should also ready to defend it. If anybody want to invade my country I will fight for it; but since there is no war then doing whatever u good at might replace that purpose. NBA is completely nothing compared to playing for the sake of your own country. Im sured when his national anthem played in last Olympic, he might cry in his heart with proud. Of course contract is important, but Olympic only happen every 4 years..and your country dignity is on the line. If you capable to do something about it, what do you do?

[carina_gino20]

The medal is safe :wow

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3755/52764625se2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3755/52764625se2.2c4ed824d1.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=521&i=52764625se2.jpg)

I hope that picture will need to be updated by the end of the 08-09 season. :lobt2: