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It’s only fitting during this time of year for everyone to sit back and reflect on this great nation of ours and what it means to be an American. Well, almost everyone feels that way. My time reflecting is mostly spent in anger, angry with those who take our country for granted- people who feel that America exists for them instead of the other way around.

Unfortunately, in the sports world, there is a current example of what I am eluding to. For those professional basketball fans, has anyone been following the selection process for the upcoming summer games, and how many NBA superstars are declining an invitation to represent their country in the 2004 Olympics?

The list of suspects goes right to the top of the league and filters down. Kevin Garnett, the league MVP, Shaquille O’Neal, Tracy McGrady. Three players, three lousy excuses, absolutely no heart.

Oh sure, the excuses might be legitimate to them, but then again, that’s all that matters to “them”. Take Garnett for example. The best player in the country said he is passing on playing for America because it would mean too much basketball for him to handle- he’s tired. Tired? My brother is tired, yet that didn’t stop him from begin shipped out to Afghanistan for a tour of 18 months. Thousands of soldiers from around the country, stationed throughout the world are tired, but yet they didn’t have a choice whether or not to represent their country, but Garnett does? Sure, it’s true that all the men and women in uniform did volunteer for service, but they surely didn’t volunteer for the sands of Iraq or the mountains of Afghanistan.

Simply put, it should be an honor to represent this great country, not a choice, especially in a basketball game.

Now sure, some people don’t see the big deal, after all, it is just a basketball game. I beg to differ. At a time where this country could use a boost, an extra boost of self-confidence, something to remind us that we live in the greatest nation in the world, a gold medal, albeit a basketball medal, would be the perfect medicine. The country needs something to rally around. Basketball players like Garnett have been called to duty and they have chosen to refuse. My brother didn’t have a choice.

I have a hard time rationalizing it, players refusing to represent the same country that has made them famous, the same country has made them rich, the same country that has allowed them to live their dream. And they get a choice? My brother didn’t get a choice.

I’m actually glad things like this happen. As a father, it makes it easier for me to point out the heroes and the frauds. It makes it easier for me to explain that players like Kevin Garnett are not the heroes of our country, no matter how much they make. No, it’s the people in uniform, people who put their life on the line everyday to protect our freedom- those are the real heroes. They don’t have a choice, and even if they did, it would be an easy one to make. It’s not about them- it never has been.

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