Dwyane Wade backs notion that NBA Olympians should be financially compensated - NBA Update
Miami Heat star guard Dwyane Wade is rearing to wear the United States colours at the 2012 London Olympics, but he backed Ray Allen on the issue that NBA players should be compensated for their services.
Wade represented the Team USA in 2008 China Olympics and was the lead scorer back then. He is now 30 and this might be the last time he would play for team USA in Olympics. He however has taken a principled, yet controversial,
stand on the distribution of money from the Olympics merchandise and marketing to the players.
Wade has followed Ray Allen into the compensation debate. Just like in college basketball, the administrative authorities get to have all the revenues while the players don’t get any share.
"It's a lot of things you do for the Olympics -- a lot of jerseys you sell," Wade said after the Heat's practice on Wednesday. "We play the whole summer. I do think guys should be compensated. Just like I think college players
should be compensated as well. Unfortunately, it's not there. But I think it should be something, you know, there for it."
To participate in the event means that a player turns his back to all the post season endorsement activities, foreign trips and family time. And according to Wade, they deserve some financial compensation for that sacrifice. Then
their looms the dangers of injuries, in and even after tournament, as the players rush back to their conditioning routines.
Wade however maintained that it is matter of pride to represent his country and the patriotism is a motivation enough in itself.
“BUT my love 4 the game & pride 4 USA motivates me more than any $$$ amount. I repped my country in 2004 when we won the bronze medal and stood proudly to receive our gold medal in 2008 in Beijing. It's always been an honour for
me to be a part of the USA Olympic family...and I'm looking forward to doing it again in London this summer."
Wade’s opinion might draw some back lash. The Miami star is making $ 14 million plus a year plus endorsements that manifold that amount. But, Wade has a habit to say what he feels is right. He did so infront of NBA commissioner
David Stern during the NBA lockout and was also at the front of Trayvon Martin episode. The fear of reactions has never held him from speaking his mind.
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