Nike Launches TV Spot For U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Team

Nike Tonight To Debut Spot Around U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Team

SOFT SPOKEN: Heat and U.S. G Dwyane Wade said of speaking out on political issues surrounding China, "It's not about us making a stand. ... It's a business trip and we'll let the politics take care of itself. That's not for us to worry about." ESPN's Shelly Smith added "sticking to basketball would seem to be in the players', and the NBA's, best interests." USA Basketball Managing Dir Jerry Colangelo said, "When addressed about a political issue, we don't put muzzles on our players. It's really up to them as individuals to respond however they care to." However, Smith noted Colangelo said that he "also told players that he personally feels the Olympics shouldn't be used as a political platform." Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski: "We look at the Olympics as sport, not a political forum" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 8/3). Meanwhile, In N.Y., Filip Bondy writes, "No matter how hard organizers attempt to quash controversy," it is likely that "some words will be spoken before these Games are done against [China] President Hu Jintao and his country's policies toward Tibet and Sudan." Bondy: "There is just no way to shut up foreign athletes, who will be asked questions and will answer them" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/5).

PREMIER LEAGUE: The U.S. plays China on Sunday, and China Premier Wen Jiabao met with the Chinese national team during a practice session at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium to wish them luck. Wen shook hands with the team, including C Yao Ming, and the team "presented Wen with a basketball signed by the whole squad" (SHANGHAI DAILY, 8/4).

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