"Bob Crantz" wrote in message
k.net...

"Maxprop" wrote in message
link.net...

On a serious note, Avery Brundage fought for decades to keep
professionalism out of the Olympics. Ultimately he was overruled, and
it's damaged the games beyond repair, IMO. Only the relatively non-pro
sports, such as Biathlon, Luge, Skeleton, Bobsled, Curling, etc. hold my
interest any longer. I couldn't care less about snowboard, freestyle
skiing, alpine, men's hockey, and the other pro-based events. Many of us
remember the "miracle on ice" at the Lake Placid 1980 Games, when the US
amateur hockey team beat the highly-pro Russians and went on to win the
gold. That event will never be repeated under the current paradigm.

Max


Great points. I wish it was purely amateur as well. It really said a lot
when US amateurs, without government funding, took on virtual professional
state run teams of other countries. I also think team sports should be
eliminated.

Amen!

It was tragic when the IOC stooped to the lowest common denominator on the
pro issue. Instead of fighting to keep the games truly amateur, they caved
and let everyone get paid for doing what they do. Now we have millionaires
playing basketball, hockey, skiing, skating, etc. And NBC would have us
believe that these poor, downtrodden athletes have sacrificed everything to
get to the Olympics. Hogwash. If the governments of the world follow the
lead of the IOC, it won't be long when all drugs are legalized because it's
easier to acquiesce to the elements in the toilet than fight for what is
right.

Max