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The Way I See It...

I cannot believe that WNBA star Becky Hammon is selling her talents to Russia. Since she has been left off the United States Olympic team, Hammon has accepted Russia's offer to play for that country later this summer in Beijing.

This is wrong on so many levels.

Hammon is no more Russian than Chuck Dowdle. She grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota. I'm sorry she wasn't good enough to be picked by the USA but accepting citizenship and a lot of money to play for another country isn't the answer.

Here's what she told ESPN.COM: "Will I be playing for Russia? Yes. But I'm absolutely 100 percent still an American. I love our country. I love what we stand for. This is an opportunity to fulfill my dream of playing in the Olympics."

Hannon doesn't love her country the way I was taught.

***

On the other hand there is Jack Bauerle.

Jack is the ulta successful University of Georgia swim coach who will coach the USA women's team in China. He's molded UGA into a swimming powerhouse and remained one of the most likable people you'll ever meet.

He came to Athens from Pennsylvania as a freshman in 1970 and never left. Along the way he has won four NCAA titles and, with his appointment as head coach of the Olympic team, reached the pinnacle of his profession.

His old coach, the late Bump Gabrielsen, would be so proud of him. I'm proud of him. All of Athens is proud of him. Jack doesn't know what a big deal he is.

See ya...

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