tony growing up...the hard way!

[JUUOT]

Tony, what are some of your personal conclusions about the first round of the Euro ?

I am not playing at my level. Whether it is physically of mentally, I am not at my best. It is far from being easy to live such moment; it is like a cold shower. Today I realized that I was not a machine. All the games that I have played in the past four NBA seasons have gotten the best of me. Gregg Popovich and my parents had warned me this summer but I did not listen to their advices and only went with I wanted to do. I came here and I now must assume my choice.

Do you have any regrets ?

Absolutely not; as I just said it I am ready to assume everything that is going on. I am proud to play for France, to be with my friends and this is the reason why I had decided to come here. Deep down inside of me I knew it would be physically challenging. When you play a Euro championships you have to be physically fit, otherwise you cannot be dominant. I am the witness of this today but I really did not think that it would have been up to this level. Needless to say that it isn’t the past game that will erase all I have done since the beginning of my career.

Are you lacking your infamous energy ?

Mentally I am rinsed. When you are used to dominate and to be a key player it is rather unusual feeling when you are unable to do anything. I am under the impression that everything flows against me. Energy is a base of my game and with it I usually make the difference. Right now the energy is not here…

Towards the group, how do you feel ?

I spoke with my teammates and all are disappointed for me as they know my true abilities. They know that this is not my real face. Of course, I am frustrated for them and for the coach. When you know you can bring something to the team but you are unable to perform physically it is extremely irritating. Unfortunately, I cannot control my body. I was in pretty good shape in Limoges but now it is the Euro and not some friendly games; the level is not the same.

Are you thinking over about some of your decisions today ?

Maybe I try to do too much. When I say that, I speak aside from my life on the courts. What is happening now in Belgrade will undoubtedly serve me for years to come. I must take the time to reflect upon all that. It is evident that I must organize myself differently in the summer. I want to do so much that at a moment, I am imploding physically. I had held up until now, but today my body says no more.

Could this have an impact on your presence with the national team ?

I must think about it. Coming to play with team France if I am not well physically has no interest. By playing like I did since the beginning of the Euro, I know that I am being criticized and that a lot of people are disappointed. By coming here, I had more to loose that win. I am not being myself; it is a ghost you see on the floor and this is something I really do not wish to do again. I am not saying this is my last competition with team France but I must simply reflect upon this Euro, rest and try to find some solutions.

Are you still hopefulfor tomorrow’s game against Serbia ?

If I did not believe, we would not even go to Novi Sad. I am a competitor and I hope that there will be a trigger that could be decisive. The Serbians will play at home in front of 8000 fans. They do not even thing about leaving the competition in the round of 1/8th. Hence, it is up to us to create a surprise by playing the perfect game.

Prior to this Euro, you hoped that you would have a bit more respect from the refs than two years ago…

(He interrupts) I cannot afford to talk about the officiating while I am not performing. It would out of place for me to do so.

--------------------

before starting insult. realise he is 23 and he is learning. he realises his errors and assume it what else can you ask. everybody needs to discover by themselfs. the point is he dicovers this 5years prior to others. hopefully, NVE and beno will cover for him to recover and get ready for the rets of the season.

i will translate another article with some clever comment from the french coach saying:

do not give parker more than he is. he is a 23 years old. he is trying to help but he cannot and it hurts him.

[Slo spurs fan]

Good luck Tony and recover quickly. I know you will be yourself coming November.

[ObiwanGinobili]

It is evident that I must organize myself differently in the summer. I want to do so much that at a moment, I am imploding physically. I had held up until now, but today my body says no more.

awwwgggggg :bang

thats right tony! your not 17 anymore!!
but god I feel bad for him... it sux when you can;t do somethign that you know you can.

$5000 vBookie says Tony's not playing for French national next year.

[Slo spurs fan]

awwwgggggg :bang

thats right tony! your not 17 anymore!!
but god I feel bad for him... it sux when you can;t do somethign that you know you can.

$5000 vBookie says Tony's not playing for French national next year.

He will if they will qualify for world championship.

[picnroll]

Screw national team play. Now the Spurs have one burned out and one injured PG. Let the fucking national teams pay the salaries if they want these guys.

[ObiwanGinobili]

He will if they will qualify for world championship.


good point. :fro

but let me just say that I'd prefer is france didn't.

I'm a spurs/team fan 1st.. ahead of being a spurs/player fan. I really appreciate what it means to the guys to be able to play for thier home countries and what not.
But I was jumping for all kinds of joy when my Manu said he was just chilling this summer. (thank god..... of the church of manu.. either or)

[BigVee]

Let's go back to amateurs everywhere. If you get paid to play professionally.....you don't play on your national team, including and especially the U.S.

[JUUOT]

FRance has pretty much no chance to qualify unless a miracle. tony should not be playing for the national team next summer. it will diminish his involvement with french media also.
he will also have to choose between endorsement and music.
count on pop to bring him back on earth. tony is saying he realises his errors and he is willing to come back and let POP help him to get back on track.

[SLOVENIAN 8]

Screw national team play. Now the Spurs have one burned out and one injured PG. Let the fucking national teams pay the salaries if they want these guys.


National team have nothing to do with Tony`s game, it is Tony problem how he is playing.......
And playing for national team is something special for everyone.

[picnroll]

National team have nothing to do with Tony`s game, it is Tony problem how he is playing.......
And playing for national team is something special for everyone. What about Beno? Screw national teams.

[nkdlunch]

At least Tony wants to represent his country and play. He could have opted to bone his girl all summer long... I'll give him that

[Kobayagi]

Screw national team play. Now the Spurs have one burned out and one injured PG. Let the fucking national teams pay the salaries if they want these guys.


There is an agreement between national teams and NBA teams that obliges national teams to pay insurance for NBA players in case they get injured during prep games or championships. I don't know if this goes for all the countries and all the teams but Slovenia has agreed to pay insurance for its players (Brezec, Nachbar, Nesterovic, Udrih).

[romsey31]

At least Tony wants to represent his country and play. He could have opted to bone his girl all summer long... I'll give him that

Boning the same girl gets pretty boring after a while, no matter how pretty she is... :drunk

[Solid D]

Spurs' training camp starts in 2 weeks. Tony needs recovery time. He was already struggling with fading in the 2nd halves of games last season. Pop may have to just plan on playing TP the first quarter and Van Exel and Beno the last 3 quarters...all season long.

[Kobayagi]

Beno's got knee problems. I guess the old guy's gonna have to do 30+ minutes :lol

[GoSpurs21]

but let me just say that I'd prefer is france didn't.

I'm a spurs/team fan 1st.. ahead of being a spurs/player fan. I really appreciate what it means to the guys to be able to play for thier home countries and what not.
But I was jumping for all kinds of joy when my Manu said he was just chilling this summer. (thank god..... of the church of manu.. either or)so you are also against Manu playing for AGR or Tim playing for USA like I am?


Boning the same girl gets pretty boring after a while, no matter how pretty she is... :drunkspoken like a virgin or someone with very little imagination

[ChumpDumper]

Might be a good idea to keep a 4th PG on the roster for awhile.

[romsey31]

so you are also against Manu playing for AGR or Tim playing for USA like I am?

spoken like a virgin or someone with very little imagination

I got a kid on the way, and been with the same girl for the past 3 yrs. Lighten up a bit, it was a joke man.

[coopdogg3]

Congrats romsey31, I have no kids, but do have 8 nieces and nephews. I don't know how much trouble they can be, but I do know they can be a lot of fun. Start buying that baby Spur's uniforms early.

coopdogg3

[Vashner]

He just misses Eva...

Tony has no basketball issues....

[Solid D]

Picture won't post.

[50 cent]

I wish the Spurs would put something in player's contracts that banned them from playing basketball for the national teams. The Spurs pay for the contracts and they need to stay focused on playing for the team that writes their paychecks. I can't go work in the evenings for another company in the same industry as my current job because it's a conflict of interest.

Screw France, Slovenia, Argentina, the USA, and any other country. Go find some amateurs and leave the NBA players alone. :td

[Slo spurs fan]

I wish the Spurs would put something in player's contracts that banned them from playing basketball for the national teams. The Spurs pay for the contracts and they need to stay focused on playing for the team that writes their paychecks. I can't go work in the evenings for another company in the same industry as my current job because it's a conflict of interest.

Screw France, Slovenia, Argentina, the USA, and any other country. Go find some amateurs and leave the NBA players alone. :td
:stfu

[nkdlunch]

huh? let's see, Manu and Tim played in the Olympics and then came back and won a championship w/Spurs.

which makes ppl who complain about this look stupid.

[picnroll]

huh? let's see, Manu and Tim played in the Olympics and then came back and won a championship w/Spurs.

which makes ppl who complain about this look stupid.
Fatigue prevents players from performing their best. Fatigue makes players susceptible to injury. Overuse without rest and recovery periods will prematurely shorten careers. Fuck national team play.

[coopdogg3]

I tend to make an exception for the Olympics. The Olympics has been around long before the NBA. I don't mind Beno and Rash playing summer international ball at all, more power to them. They were pretty much reserve players last year, and they want to play and represent their country. Hope they win it all.

Tony, on the other hand, is a different story for me. He played 100+ games last year, will probably play 100 more next season. He is tired, worn out, and could have used the time to work on his jumpshot. The Spurs bring on board a shooting coach that could have helped Tony's game. I know Tony worked on his J a little before he left, and I know he will work on it during training. But I would have still preferred the summer off for him to rest up and focus on the weakest area of his game. He is a starter, getting starter minutes, and had some tough play-off series before he left. I know Pop would have rather he stayed, and that is all I need to know.

This isn't about having an insurance policy that protects the Spurs during international play. This is about the Spurs wanting their franchise PG at 100%. If he comes back from Europe fatigued and mentally drained, that places the team at a disadvantage. I think and hope he will recover quickly as NVE and Beno can spell him, but I would have rather TP taken the summer off after such a draining season.

coopdogg3

[Vashner]

But other players had a shot at the olympics. Even Pop went.. so TP deserves it if he wants it.

[50 cent]

:stfu
He look moron. I'm a Spurs fan. I could give a rat's ass about what Slovenia does as long as they leave the players whom the Spurs pay the salaries of alone.

So, you :stfu

[Slo spurs fan]

He look moron.

???
I don't give a shit what you are.

[Slomo]

He look moron. I'm a Spurs fan. I could give a rat's ass about what Slovenia does as long as they leave the players whom the Spurs pay the salaries of alone.

So, you :stfu So after we trained these guys through our amateur club system (that is financed with taxpayer money btw) and contribute to making them capable of playing in the NBA (for which we received no compensation financial or otherwise) now it's hands off????

You're obviously concerned for Holt's money, well you shouldn't be since they have extra insurance coverage when they play abroad.

Representing your country is an honor and a privilege. US players have that opportunity, why not others?

[ObiwanGinobili]

GoSpurs21 - I'm not "against" Manu playing for Arg or Tony playing for FRA per se.... I'm more not in favor of it because I can see tha damage it may do to my Spurs to have players who are exhausted from playing , basically all year long.
As I said, i can really appreciate thier desire to play for thier home countries and represent. I can respect that.
But I wish they wouldn't.

[ObiwanGinobili]

Congrats romsey31, I have no kids, but do have 8 nieces and nephews. I don't know how much trouble they can be, but I do know they can be a lot of fun. Start buying that baby Spur's uniforms early.

coopdogg3

good advice coop!! :tu
I live in SA and you would not believe how hard that stuff is to find!!
Overall I've bought more infant/toddler Spurs gear off of Ebay then any place here in town........

[Slo spurs fan]

So after we trained these guys through our amateur club system (that is financed with taxpayer money btw) and contribute to making them capable of playing in the NBA (for which we received no compensation financial or otherwise) now it's hands off????

You're obviously concerned for Holt's money, well you shouldn't be since they have extra insurance coverage when they play abroad.

Representing your country is an honor and a privilege. US players have that opportunity, why not others?
:tu

[picnroll]

Maybe you should stop using taxpayer's money to train basketball players.

[Bruno]

So after we trained these guys through our amateur club system (that is financed with taxpayer money btw) and contribute to making them capable of playing in the NBA (for which we received no compensation financial or otherwise) now it's hands off????

You're obviously concerned for Holt's money, well you shouldn't be since they have extra insurance coverage when they play abroad.

Representing your country is an honor and a privilege. US players have that opportunity, why not others?

Agree.
Tony has learned to play with in a college called INSEP with the best young players aged between 16 and 18(Diaw, Parker,Petro...).

INSEP is financed by the french state, it's an institute were french sportsmen are trained for the Olympic Games in a lot of sports (fencing, judo, cycling...).

Tony siad that his mistake was not to play with the french team but he has done too much thing this summer.

This summer he was in SA, LA, Singapore, China, Paris, French Mountains, Limoges(french city), Nice (french city (sponsor)), Spain, Italia, Turkei and Bosnia.

[Bruno]

Maybe you should stop using taxpayer's money to train basketball players.

Basketball is still a minor sport in France so the state should help it.
For a major sport like soccer, the state give no money to the club.
In US you have the same thing for sports like swimming (I believe it was in Colorado).

[Slomo]

Maybe you should stop using taxpayer's money to train basketball players. Will use our tax money for whatever purpose we want, thank you very much.

Instead of worrying about our taxmoney, why don't you have a good hard look where yours is going...

[coopdogg3]

Well the European NBA players improve their game in the NBA, and that's financed by the fans. So we pay for the NBA players in essence. Stadiums are generally leased with tax-payer support so the average US fan pays their due. These European players take their skills honed in the NBA to help represent their country in international play. I would love the honor of being able to represent my country in international basketball, but it ultimately looks tough to do both. Full-time NBA season, and summertime international play seems just to much. Yes Manu and Tim did it last year (a non-Final year for us so the season was not as long as the one Tony just went through), but they both insisted on taking the summer off for a reason. TP is doing it this year, and it just seems too much. Bench players should have far less trouble with doing both, Rash and Beno seem to be having a great time. But when the NBA championship adds about 25% to the season (from 82 to about 100 games) then that might be too much for anybody to handle.

It isn't about Holt's money or the insurance. I could care less. I want our PG playing at 100% come November, and it's looking like that might not be the case. Fortunately this team has the depth to give TP some rest, but I would ultimately like to remove that risk from the equation and have TP rest and work on his jumpshot during the off-season. Again, I am not saying internation players should not be allowed to play summertime ball, I am just saying for full-time starters who have an extended season due to the play-offs (like, say, Tony Parker) should probably think twice before committing their body to that sort of punishment.

coopdogg3

[cheguevara]

Will use our tax money for whatever purpose we want, thank you very much.

Instead of worrying about our taxmoney, why don't you have a good hard look where yours is going...

:lol

http://photos1.blogger.com/img/221/3800/320/owned%5B1%5D.jpg

[Slomo]

Well the European NBA players improve their game in the NBA, and that's financed by the fans. So we pay for the NBA players in essence. Stadiums are generally leased with tax-payer support so the average US fan pays their due. These European players take their skills honed in the NBA to help represent their country in international play. I would love the honor of being able to represent my country in international basketball, but it ultimately looks tough to do both. Full-time NBA season, and summertime international play seems just to much. Yes Manu and Tim did it last year (a non-Final year for us so the season was not as long as the one Tony just went through), but they both insisted on taking the summer off for a reason. TP is doing it this year, and it just seems too much. Bench players should have far less trouble with doing both, Rash and Beno seem to be having a great time. But when the NBA championship adds about 25% to the season (from 82 to about 100 games) then that might be too much for anybody to handle.

It isn't about Holt's money or the insurance. I could care less. I want our PG playing at 100% come November, and it's looking like that might not be the case. Fortunately this team has the depth to give TP some rest, but I would ultimately like to remove that risk from the equation and have TP rest and work on his jumpshot during the off-season. Again, I am not saying internation players should not be allowed to play summertime ball, I am just saying for full-time starters who have an extended season due to the play-offs (like, say, Tony Parker) should probably think twice before committing their body to that sort of punishment.

coopdogg3 I respect your opinion Coop and agree with it much more than you know - the fact is that your opinion is quite different from the one I was replying to.

Of course we don't pretend to "own" a player just because he learned to play basketball in his native country - but neither should the NBA which is in essence a business venture who's purpose is to generate profit (and as any good business it makes sure its assests are insured while on loan).

I also don't agree with your comparision of the financing of the players through the fan base and our taxes - taxes are not voluntary :)

And we do appreciate the improved players that the NBA is returning to us for international competition - except for Rasho; Pop totally ruined his shot :p

[Egg]

I respect coopdogg3's opinion, but some other posts here really show the ignorance of american people... just to remind you, money is not everything in this world... there are still some things like patriotism...

[angel_luv]

Poor Tony.
I know how it feels to be exhausted and be in over your head. But at least when I mess up, the whole world isn't watching and judging. He handles the burden of celebrity well for someone so young.

Here's to Tony rallying and leading France to second place ( behind Slovenia, of course)

[romsey31]

Congrats romsey31, I have no kids, but do have 8 nieces and nephews. I don't know how much trouble they can be, but I do know they can be a lot of fun. Start buying that baby Spur's uniforms early.

coopdogg3


LMAO, yea I might buy him/her a Duncan Jersey to match the one I have, but it'll be pure Pacer gear :blah

[romsey31]

I respect coopdogg3's opinion, but some other posts here really show the ignorance of american people... just to remind you, money is not everything in this world... there are still some things like patriotism...


Exactly? Isnt that the way most International players are noticed in the first place?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

parker's getting too old

[Man In Black]

As much as people bitch about Sho's contract, just think of how peeps will cry if Parker only plays 20 mins per.

[IceColdBrewski]

Parker learning the hardway = 1) Tony blowing off Coach Pop and going to play for France against his advice, 2) learning that he isn't the player that he thought he was when surrounded by inferior talent. 3) trying to make excuses for shitty play by blaming his poor 23 year old body (that any grown man can tell you only takes about 3 hours to recover from damn near anything.)

I swear. For the life of me I'll never understand why so many Spurs fans idolize this guy.

[Slo spurs fan]

It takes brains to understand that ICB!

[IceColdBrewski]

It takes brains to understand that ICB!

Yeah. It takes real brains to ignore what is right in front of you. :rolleyes

Let me know where that train leads you. Think I'll wait for the next one.

[Slo spurs fan]

:lol

[toosmallshoes]

"But I was jumping for all kinds of joy when my Manu said he was just chilling this summer."
Isn't Argentina already pre-qualified for the next olympics because they won gold? Manu doesn't have to play. You can bet that if they needed him to qualify for the olympics he would be on the floor.

[velik_m]

I tend to make an exception for the Olympics. The Olympics has been around long before the NBA.

Basketball EC is played from 1935


And we do appreciate the improved players that the NBA is returning to us for international competition - except for Rasho; Pop totally ruined his shot

Don't forget Milic - he was totaly messed up when he came back from NBA and still can't hit a jumper

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

I'm getting really tired of this International Game hate. If you as Spurs fans don't like it, then ask the team owner or the front office to stop hiring international players, because most of the players won't quit on their home nations.

As Slomo said, most of this players have developed their game with taxpayer money, but even if that wasn't the case, they still should feel honoured by representing their country, and if the NBA doesn't like it, they can get (not-so overpaid) contracts in Europe.


Exactly? Isnt that the way most International players are noticed in the first place?

Some do, others don't. European club basketball is constantly scouted by the NBA, but other competitions like Asia or Africa, players don't have a big name until they play with their National Team. What International Game does provide, is how well that player is built for the big stage.


Isn't Argentina already pre-qualified for the next olympics because they won gold? Manu doesn't have to play. You can bet that if they needed him to qualify for the olympics he would be on the floor.

Exactly.

[TDMVPDPOY]

TP exposed :D:D

[Vashner]

Bah Tony needs the Gold medal in 08... in case Eva dumps him..

Because of course he can never find a hot chick without oh. nm. BLEEEM..

[50 cent]

So after we trained these guys through our amateur club system (that is financed with taxpayer money btw) and contribute to making them capable of playing in the NBA (for which we received no compensation financial or otherwise) now it's hands off????

You're obviously concerned for Holt's money, well you shouldn't be since they have extra insurance coverage when they play abroad.

Representing your country is an honor and a privilege. US players have that opportunity, why not others?

I could care less about Holt's money (except when Marcus wants to foolishly spend it on 3rd string players). If these players get injured, then they can't contribute to the Spurs and that is my main concern.

Sure, you train the guys and then they move on the the best league in the world to play for a very handsome salary. The players should then be loyal to those that are paying their salary and not risk injury and fatigue playing during the summer.

This includes USA players. This is not just something against Slovenia or Argentina - all countries need to use amateurs.

You foreigners have a air of entitlement that you bring to the board and it gets old. We are all Spurs fans first and foremost and therefore couldn't give a shit if Tony or Rasho not playing causes France or Slovenia to lose a Euro game. Deal with it.

[cheguevara]

You foreigners have a air of entitlement that you bring to the board and it gets old. We are all Spurs fans first and foremost and therefore couldn't give a shit if Tony or Rasho not playing causes France or Slovenia to lose a Euro game. Deal with it.

Ur take has also gotten old as this thread grew. The intenational players will still be representing their country if they feel like it whether u like it or not. deal w/it

[biggerspursfanthanu]

I completely agree with 50. It must be sad that the hopes of a country gotta sit on the back of rasho. Just shows how good ur little international teams are if rasho is the frickin best player out there. Blow it out your ass and watch the spurs win a real title again this year while your mvp rides the bench. Later bitches.

[cheguevara]

I completely agree with 50. It must be sad that the hopes of a country gotta sit on the back of rasho. Just shows how good ur little international teams are if rasho is the frickin best player out there. Blow it out your ass and watch the spurs win a real title again this year while your mvp rides the bench. Later bitches.

Later Hoe

[biggerspursfanthanu]

He he he like u hold weight punk!!!

[Marcus Bryant]

I want to see the Spurs doing their upmost to win NBA championships and that includes guys resting in the offseason as well as not fooslishly losing qualitytalent over chump change.

If you aren't about that, stop your whining.

[Vashner]

I want to see the Spurs doing their upmost to win NBA championships and that includes guys resting in the offseason as well as not fooslishly losing qualitytalent over chump change.

If you aren't about that, stop your whining.

Tony has the right to play in the olympics just like everyone else on the Spurs roster...

Stop skirting around the reason he is in France....

[biggerspursfanthanu]

I want to see the Spurs doing their upmost to win NBA championships and that includes guys resting in the offseason as well as not fooslishly losing qualitytalent over chump change.

If you aren't about that, stop your whining.



Exactly, now im not saying that i dont want our foreign players to be succesful in all aspects of the game but my priority is the spurs. Ur priority can be your country, and i completely understand that, cause i love to see the U.S. do well. But at some point u have got to draw a line and figure out which is more important. Spurs/nba or national play. To me its the Spurs, and i dont enjoy watching the players that should be resting beating the shit out of each other. Ginobili and tim might have one last year but, at what expense. As i recall timmy was pretty damn worn out and thats not good.

[biggerspursfanthanu]

by one i mean won sorry

[DesiSpur_21]

Tony has the right to play in the olympics just like everyone else on the Spurs roster...

Stop skirting around the reason he is in France....

:tu

[biggerspursfanthanu]

Thats cool u stand on ur side of the line ill stand on mine. NBA is important to me National play is important to u, just dont get all bent out of shape when the NBA fans worry about their players.

[cheguevara]

Tony has the right to play in the olympics just like everyone else on the Spurs roster...

Stop skirting around the reason he is in France....

Amen

[Slomo]

I could care less about Holt's money (except when Marcus wants to foolishly spend it on 3rd string players). If these players get injured, then they can't contribute to the Spurs and that is my main concern.

Sure, you train the guys and then they move on the the best league in the world to play for a very handsome salary. The players should then be loyal to those that are paying their salary and not risk injury and fatigue playing during the summer.

This includes USA players. This is not just something against Slovenia or Argentina - all countries need to use amateurs.

You foreigners have a air of entitlement that you bring to the board and it gets old. We are all Spurs fans first and foremost and therefore couldn't give a shit if Tony or Rasho not playing causes France or Slovenia to lose a Euro game. Deal with it. This is a lot different than your first two posts. If loyalty is dictated only by money then their loyalty can not be only to the Spurs (or any other pro club) because their current contract is not the only reason for their financial well being.

If your point is that you want amateur in international competition then make it, without the "we pay you - we own you" theory.

"Air of entitlement"????
"You foreigners"????

You obviously have a problem with us, but let me tell what I think you must do now. You must provide me with an explanation of what my (our) "air" is - together with a sample post illustrating it. Not because I'm entitled to it, but because it's the only way you can prove you actually know what it means.

[ducks]

Parker learning the hardway = 1) Tony blowing off Coach Pop and going to play for France against his advice, 2) learning that he isn't the player that he thought he was when surrounded by inferior talent. 3) trying to make excuses for shitty play by blaming his poor 23 year old body (that any grown man can tell you only takes about 3 hours to recover from damn near anything.)

I swear. For the life of me I'll never understand why so many Spurs fans idolize this guy.

duncan PLAYED FOR THE USA

SO IS HE A IDIOT TO ICE
IT EFFECTED HIS GAME
ALSO MANU DID AND IT EFFECTED HIS NBA GAMES

[50 cent]

:stfu
Here's the post showing you the air of entitlement that a lot of international posters around here post with. Like this is the Slovenian message board or something and that we should be more concerned with the Spurs players representing their national teams. Well, this is a Spurs message board and we care first and foremost about the Spurs well being and having OUR contracted players healthy and rested come November regardless of how it affected the EC or Olympics.

Now, you may feel as though I'm insensitive, but so be it. I'm selfish and I want the Spurs at 100% come regular season.

I don't want Duncan playing for the US, Manu for Argentina, or Tony for France.

(PS - I really don't care if Rasho does or not because it's almost impossible to wear out a towel boy).

[Slo spurs fan]

Here's the post showing you the air of entitlement that a lot of international posters around here post with. Like this is the Slovenian message board or something and that we should be more concerned with the Spurs players representing their national teams. Well, this is a Spurs message board and we care first and foremost about the Spurs well being and having OUR contracted players healthy and rested come November regardless of how it affected the EC or Olympics.

Now, you may feel as though I'm insensitive, but so be it. I'm selfish and I want the Spurs at 100% come regular season.

I don't want Duncan playing for the US, Manu for Argentina, or Tony for France.

(PS - I really don't care if Rasho does or not because it's almost impossible to wear out a towel boy).


Screw France, Slovenia, Argentina, the USA, and any other country. Go find some amateurs and leave the NBA players alone.
Don't shit on my country and I will stop posting :stfu

Untill then :stfu

[biggerspursfanthanu]

Once again i pretty much completely agree with 50.

[Slomo]

I wish the Spurs would put something in player's contracts that banned them from playing basketball for the national teams. The Spurs pay for the contracts and they need to stay focused on playing for the team that writes their paychecks. I can't go work in the evenings for another company in the same industry as my current job because it's a conflict of interest.

Screw France, Slovenia, Argentina, the USA, and any other country. Go find some amateurs and leave the NBA players alone. :td And this is your post preceeding the one you quoted. Anyway someone telling you to STFU is hardly an example of an "air of entitlement" (or do you feel you are entitled to not being told to STFU?). Thank you for proving my point.



Now, you may feel as though I'm insensitive, but so be it. I'm selfish and I want the Spurs at 100% come regular season. http://www.cikava.com/gallery/albums/Photoshop_madness/Drama_Queen.jpg

[Slo spurs fan]

50 cent = :owned

[50 cent]

And this is your post preceeding the one you quoted. Anyway someone telling you to STFU is hardly an example of an "air of entitlement" (or do you feel you are entitled to not being told to STFU?). Thank you for proving my point.

I think it's basically human decency to not tell someone to STFU when you are guests in their forum. Obviously, you are not a Spurs fan - just a fan of a player from your country that happens to play for the Spurs.

You guys remind me of Taruky - the Hedo buttlicker. If Rasho got traded, you would all of a sudden have no interest in the Spurs. Just posin' as a Spurs fan for the time being. :jack

[Dartherus]

Parker learning the hardway = 1) Tony blowing off Coach Pop and going to play for France against his advice, 2) learning that he isn't the player that he thought he was when surrounded by inferior talent. 3) trying to make excuses for shitty play by blaming his poor 23 year old body (that any grown man can tell you only takes about 3 hours to recover from damn near anything.)

I swear. For the life of me I'll never understand why so many Spurs fans idolize this guy.
Totally agree with ICB....

Manu and Tim, beeing older than Tony, handled it better and didn't go into exaustion excuses.

I'd add that TP has showed beeing too full of vanity in some statements made to the press before the European torunament, regarding the late entering of Weis to the team, he shouted his rant in public and implied how he could say anithing and french crew couldn't make nothing against him.

It seems that the superavit of speed and dribbling of TP comes compensated by a deficit in brains (both in the court and outside of it).

[Slo spurs fan]

I think it's basically human decency to not tell someone to STFU when you are guests in their forum. Obviously, you are not a Spurs fan - just a fan of a player from your country that happens to play for the Spurs.

You guys remind me of Taruky - the Hedo buttlicker. If Rasho got traded, you would all of a sudden have no interest in the Spurs. Just posin' as a Spurs fan for the time being. :jack

But it is OK to say screw Slovenia or any other country?

edit: Slomo became Spurs fan long before Rasho joined Spurs.

[50 cent]

But it is OK to say screw Slovenia or any other country?

edit: Slomo became Spurs fan long before Rasho joined Spurs.

Yup, when we are on a SPURS message board and are SPURS fans first and foremost. Screw anybody and anything that could get in the way of the SPURS success. :drunk

How old are you - 13?

[Slomo]

I think it's basically human decency to not tell someone to STFU when you are guests in their forum. Obviously, you are not a Spurs fan - just a fan of a player from your country that happens to play for the Spurs.

You guys remind me of Taruky - the Hedo buttlicker. If Rasho got traded, you would all of a sudden have no interest in the Spurs. Just posin' as a Spurs fan for the time being. :jack
I think it's basic human decency to tell someone to STFU when he just announced publicly he wants to "screw" your country. Yes, I am a guest on this forum, so are you - we are both guests of a couple of real Spurs fans who decided to put a lot of work and effort in promoting their team and create a community of knowledgeable fans. I try to repay for the privilege by not insulting anybody on this board - what do you do?

I'm not defending Rasho!?!?! Where in this thread did you see me do that? I'm defending the right for players to play for their national teams without exception. I'm not accepting your idea that because their pay checks are signed by Holt that they have to forget about their country.

[Slo spurs fan]

Yup, when we are on a SPURS message board and are SPURS fans first and foremost. Screw anybody and anything that could get in the way of the SPURS success. :drunk

How old are you - 13?

:stfu

No I am not 13 so :stfu

[Dartherus]

Parker learning the hardway = 1) Tony blowing off Coach Pop and going to play for France against his advice, 2) learning that he isn't the player that he thought he was when surrounded by inferior talent. 3) trying to make excuses for shitty play by blaming his poor 23 year old body (that any grown man can tell you only takes about 3 hours to recover from damn near anything.)

I swear. For the life of me I'll never understand why so many Spurs fans idolize this guy.
Totally agree with ICB....

Manu and Tim, beeing older than Tony, handled it better and didn't go into exaustion excuses.

I'd add that TP has showed beeing too full of vanity in some statements made to the press before the European torunament, regarding the late entering of Weis to the team, he shouted his rant in public and implied how he could say anithing and french crew couldn't make nothing against him.

It seems that the superavit of speed and dribbling of TP comes compensated by a deficit in brains (both in the court and outside of it).

[Slo spurs fan]

Yeah we saw your post Dartherus, no need to repost it.

[50 cent]

I'm not accepting your idea that because their pay checks are signed by Holt that they have to forget about their country.

Well, that's where we disagree because that's what I would prefer. At least you can debate it instead of just posting the STFU sign like your fellow countryman on this thread and that is a credit to you. We both have different priorities and that is understandable. My priority is the Spurs above and beyond all other organizations that may be negatively affected.

[Slo spurs fan]

Well, that's where we disagree because that's what I would prefer. At least you can debate it instead of just posting the STFU sign like your fellow countryman on this thread and that is a credit to you. We both have different priorities and that is understandable. My priority is the Spurs above and beyond all other organizations that may be negatively affected.

I didn't send STFU to noone but you and that was becouse of your "screw Slovenia".

I am now done with this shit. And I hope you will be more respectfull to my country as I am to yours and your Spurs.

[Slomo]

Well, that's where we disagree because that's what I would prefer. At least you can debate it instead of just posting the STFU sign like your fellow countryman on this thread and that is a credit to you. We both have different priorities and that is understandable. My priority is the Spurs above and beyond all other organizations that may be negatively affected.
You would prefer it - fair enough. But read my post I'm against them having to (being forced to) forget about it (only) because of their paychecks. Read the other posts, specifically coop's post with which I agree almost 100%.

As for the STFU: well you did provoke it with your "screw" statement and now he keeps doing it because he knows it annoys you. Had you chosen to debate the issue on merit instead of going off about the foreigners then this thread would have been a lot shorter (again read coop's post).

And next time you set up a poll do it so that we can see who voted for what - you might be surprised at the results (actually I don't know if it's possible anymore, but at the beginning of this board I remember you could).

[Slo spurs fan]

As for the STFU: well you did provoke it with your "screw" statement and now he keeps doing it because he knows it annoys you. Had you chosen to debate the issue on merit instead of going off about the foreigners then this thread would have been a lot shorter (again read coop's post).

:tu

[50 cent]

As for the STFU: well you did provoke it with your "screw" statement and now he keeps doing it because he knows it annoys you.

It doesn't bother me one bit. I've got much bigger things to worry about than some imbecile on a message board having a temper tantrum because nobody cares about his national team. It's pure amusement to me.

[zeleni]

It doesn't bother me one bit. I've got much bigger things to worry about than some imbecile on a message board having a temper tantrum because nobody cares about his national team. It's pure amusement to me.

And you are pure amusement to me. But I have found that 50cent :blah was great only on his first record, and the he got old. Hey, like you... You see, rap music is like a involving in a forum. It can be art to discuss, but only on certain rules of boredom. You broke them and now you are boring all over.

[50 cent]

You see, rap music is like a involving in a forum. It can be art to discuss, but only on certain rules of boredom. You broke them and now you are boring all over.
Porque? No entiendo!

[smeagol]

I'm a fan of my National Team over anything else. I could never understand that people chose their local team over their NT.

That being said, in the short period of time I have been following the Spurs, I have become a true fan, to the point where I'd rather have the Spurs win a ring than the soccer team I'm a fan off in Argentina, team I have followed since I was 5 yrs. old, win any kind of championship (at the national or international level).

I've become a true fan to the point I fight with my wife when I watch the Spurs of TV or because of the amount of time I spend on this board.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

As I said:


I'm getting really tired of this International Game hate. If you as Spurs fans don't like it, then ask the team owner or the front office to stop hiring international players, because most of the players won't quit on their home nations.

As Slomo said, most of this players have developed their game with taxpayer money, but even if that wasn't the case, they still should feel honoured by representing their country, and if the NBA doesn't like it, they can get (not-so overpaid) contracts in Europe.



Don't like Johnny Foreigner representing his country? Then don't hire him and that's it. Surely the Spurs would be a much better team with players like Jason Kidd, who don't give a fuck about playing for their country and that helps them to stay injury free and win rings... :rolleyes

[Slo spurs fan]

As I said:



Don't like Johnny Foreigner representing his country? Then don't hire him and that's it. Surely the Spurs would be a much better team with players like Jason Kidd, who don't give a fuck about playing for their country and that helps them to stay injury free and win rings... :rolleyes
:tu