I am still concerned about the Olympic Games. I have not backed off a bit: It’s still sports imperialism to have pro athletes at the Games because not every nation can field a professional team or train pro athletes in sports like tennis. But I realize that the IOC, the USOC and the moneyed interests will not easily budge. So, let’s try this:
Have in basketball and other sports where pros play in the Olympics, two divisions: An amateur and a pro division. Both would have three medals each but the pro division in basketball would have 10-12 teams much as the basketball is played today. The amateur division would be much like the NCAA tournament – say the top 32 or 64 teams from around the world. They would be selected based on regional and world amateur competitions and there would be a set number for each area of the world with at large teams, too! Bubble watch for the nations of the world! I think the amateur competition would be exciting and the potential for a surprise. Cinderella teams in the Olympics! (Of course the home team gets an automatic bid!)
Any comments?
One Response to “A PROPOSAL in re OLYMPICS: HAVE A PROFESSIONAL and AMATEUR DIVISION for sports such as BASKETBALL!”
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[...] I respectfully disagree. I think pro athletes in the Olympics in sports imperialism. Ask yourself this question: Has there been any new national teams that have arisen in ice hockey since the pros came in? No. I didn’t think so. Time to free the Games from the dominance of the major powers. Open it up. No NHL players. Or have a two-tier competition – pro and amateur divisions. [...]