But I still don´t see the problem with the Spanish team posing with slant-eyes? Is that really offensive? How would someone consider offensive to have slanted-eyes? I mean, my girlfriend is from Taiwan and she even thinks it´s funny. And I have talked to some Chinese people in Madrid and they don´t see what´s the problem with that! I guess it´s a matter of having the same sense of humor I like to display when I watch a British advertisement of the Spanish football (soccer) league featuring guys with a bullfigher costume?

It makes me think of cab drivers asking Goverments to ban “Grand Theft Auto” because they don´t think they are fairly portrayed.

As for NBA wash-outs becoming stars in Europe?

I am not american, but do live currently in California. I admit my current knowledge of euro ball is not up to your levels – it is tough to get coverage here.

But it is very apparant the NBA is the holy grail for any american basketball player. They would only consider playing in europe if they could not “make it” in the NBA (at least historically). Many do start out in europe and then return to the NBA and have successful careers.

I am fairly certain that any american star in europe would rather have played in the NBA if they could.

Sure some had their minds changed after living and loving euro ball after a few seasons – but most would even try to go to the NBA mid-career is they had a legit chance. I know they are different games (euro and american) and different types of players find success in each leagues.

I do admit that this may have turned around recently due to currency issues and the nuances of the NBA salary cap. Guys like Childress and Boykins are legit NBA players who have chosen europe freely over the NBA. Maybe the first fo many?

Is this for real?

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2008/08/11/spain-bring-racism-to-the-olympic-games

You truly think this is racism?

I don´t say that Spain (as a country, with its pros and cons and flaws) is not a totally non-racist country like other blessed nations like the UK or USA, but to call Spanish people racist because of that picture is just… lame… Probably the result of bitter envy and too much time looking at your own genitals.

There is a nice expression in Spanish language: cogérsela con papel de fumar> someone who “se la coge con papel de fumar” is a person extremely picky, choosy, very very very particular about something to the extreme (even to a ridiculous extreme), paying attention to irrelevant details.

You can’t use the example of a campaign organized by the entire Spanish Federation as example of arrogance. There is a major difference between not having the respect to know the names of your opponents and doing what you’re told to do by your federation. But you are right they are less arrogant I do agree with you there, but i will never forgive them for not staying in the Olympic Village. 10,000 athletes, all superstars everyone is there expect these 12 men who are in a private hotel. Why?

As for the NBA. Well first off noone is attacking it, obviously it is the best league on Earth, but to say that NBA minors become stars and that Euroleague stars can’t cut it is just absurd. I can’t name on NBA minor who has become a name in Europe, the only people who make a name are those that earn it on the European courts, Childress and Boykins are the first ever to come to Europe with a star status. Others like Holden, Landgon, etc, etc never even played in the NBA while guys like Tractor Traylor couldn’t do anything when they came over. The euroleague stars don’t cut it because there is no space in the NBA for undersized pure shooters. All the Euros that have failed have been exactly that from Saras to Djodjevic to whoever you want to name.

Take a look at how many “stars” of the euro leagues can’t make it in the NBA. Marginal NBA players (or those who can’t even make the NBA) become stars in the euro leagues.

Yes, the NBA is more geared to individual stars and more one on one play than europe. It is part of the american mindset and how the game is marketed. The U.S.’s failures over the last decade is thankfully changing it (slowly).

But the athletes in the NBA are just worlds apart.

Also don’t be sow blinded by percieved american “arrogance”. They are much more humble than past versions of Team USA, and frankly it is hard to be humble when you are in their position. The wealth, the power…everything handed to them. The Euro stars are not much different.

Here is a good example:
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2008/08/11/spain-bring-racism-to-the-olympic-games

In France, the game was on public TV, the 3 commentators….it was just a pity. It seems that they find their comments on a media guide sent by David Stern.
“NBA, by far the best league in the world” // “USA has won 12 of the 15 Olympics, that shows the donimation of this country on this game” // “No one sees this team not winning he Gold Medal”
It was just a shame, I push the “Mute” bouton on the TV remote.

Personnaly, I didn’t see any maturation in the US game : they are still arrogant; and he ref’ were really nice wih them : a lot of travelling on he first step.
By he way, I do no understand why this game was so important : China is not their biggest rival in the group. There was some buzz arond this game, because USA and China compete for the most medals in the competition; but basket-wise everyone knew that China can not compete with USA.

And that James ritual before every game is just wack.