With his compelling two-word answers after winning an Olympic gold medal, Shani Davis has either showed us he has yet to master the English language or that he’s simply a ****. I’d tend to believe the latter. No pride in his country and no class. Bottom line, an embarrassment.
2
Ann says:
February 18th, 2006 at 9:56 pm
I agree. Shani appeared very happy and excited on the ice after the win. His interview was possibly due to previous comments by Chad and also the media constantly bringing up the interviews of each and about the team pursuit.
I am happy that he won however one wouldn’t know by his interview. The 1500 is going to be
interesting to watch. I think I’d like to see Chad win it. At least he gave a good interview after he won his.
I think Shani could have won the 1000 even if he had skated in the team pursuit. He has a great deal of talent.
3
Hans says:
February 18th, 2006 at 10:07 pm
Wow, what a complete lack of charecter.
4
Mark says:
February 18th, 2006 at 10:48 pm
Shani really should have been a little more cooperative—something I don’t blame him for after some of the press coverage he’s gotten—but NBC’s the one that’s having trouble with the English language. First, of course, they call them the “Torino” Olympics, but that’s old. Now they say Shani Davis is the first “African-American” individual gold medal winner in Winter Olympic history. Well technically true, what we all know they were really trying to say (and what virtually all print sources said) was that he was the first black (person of African descent) Winter Olympian (not only “American”) to win an individual gold. Reminds me of 2002 when a bobsledder was called the “first African-American from any country” to win a gold medal in the Winter Games. I’m waiting for a black athlete from some other country to win a gold to see if s/he is referred to as the “first African-non-American” to get a winter gold. Or maybe such athletes don’t exist in NBC’s world. Sorry for the rant.
5
Yusuf says:
February 18th, 2006 at 11:20 pm
Way to go Shani – considering the mess that **** Hedrick started, why would he have a toothy grin? After the NBC interview he did go on and talk/joke/laugh at length with other (less combative) reporters.
6
Brett Huebner says:
February 18th, 2006 at 11:30 pm
I was very proud of Chad for achieving gold in the 500 meter, it was embarrasing to watch him blame Shani for not skating the team pursuit. Speed skating is not a team sport, never was and never will be. He has now made a debaucle of the issue in front of the world. Be a gracious winner and do not sour for others committed to achieving their personal goals.
Media is to blame with the hype machine of eluding to you matching Eric back in 1980. This would not be even close to the same thing even if it did come to fruition. Eric won 5 individual events, not 4 and then 1 team event.
Congrats to Chad, Shani, Joey for winning gold and being the best in that race. Be humble and quit acting like an ass which the whole world is relishing in.
You are not Lance Armstrong and this is not a team event. You are a great individual skater just as the other 2 are. Keep it all in perspective.
Wish all 3 of you the best of luck in the 1500.
B
7
Shea says:
February 19th, 2006 at 12:42 am
It’s a shame that someone representing the United States, albeit on his own, had to display an attitude in the interview after he won the gold medal. I’m definitely not a fan of someone who abandons his team to make it all about himself. After I heard the story about Shani, I never cheered so loud for a Canadian during the race.
I thought it selfish the first time I heard that he would not compete with the team. I’m sorry but the Olympics are largely about the team aspect and coming together as a country. Bad move on his part and I think shed some light on his character. Then I watched his individual race and saw the interview afterwards. It was rude of him to treat his interviewer that way – even if he’s having some issues. The world is watching but it seems he’s too wrapped up in himself to care how he portrays our country or his race. Way to help out black people in the US, way to inspire young kids, way to get the big picture. You showed a lack of class, a lack of patriotism and a complete lack of character. If I were your teammate and knew you behind the scenes I can only guess that I wouldn’t have been cheering for you either.
11
Irene (New York, NY) says:
February 19th, 2006 at 8:43 am
Attitudes don’t belong in the Olympics. Atheletes who have them should stay home. Even if he wins—he is an embarassment to the USA. I absolutely agree with “Shea”: I never cheered so loud for a Canadian to win.
12
Dennis says:
February 19th, 2006 at 8:58 am
If Melissa Stark had any interviewing skills whatsoever, she would have gotten results. Clearly, Shani was upset with the way NBC has cast him in this saga – doesn’t mean he’s right or wrong. However, unlike a guy like Jim Gray, who knows the questions to ask and does his job without getting rattled by the person he is interviewing, Stark got flustered, then decided all she had in her bag of tricks was to be snotty and unprofessional.
Clearly, something was bugging the kid, but Melissa Stark lacked the talent to get to the root of the issue.
I’ve had the pleasure of watching the Olympics since the early sixties. I believe that they are for the individual to compete in only representing their Nation. These “games” are about each person doing the best that they can in their own sport for their Nation. Why would a man give up a chance to do his best, in a sport that he has spent his life trying to be the best, because he has to ‘take one for the team’? Shani Davis made a choice to compete in a race that he has trained hard to win in these Olympics. The thing that started what should have been a crowning moment for Shani was that Chad had set his personal goals to win as many gold medals as Eric Hyden did was only spewing some of the old green eyed monster after he failed to match that feat. And for you people that want to rain on Shani’s win shame on you. I remember the Olympic year that the US. chose not to go to Russia bc/ of the Afganistan invasion. There were hundreds of athletes who were denied a chance to compete in their individual sports because of politics. And as wrong as that was to take away from Shani his Olympic moment because he chose to race in his specialty race and not a team race is wrong. Grow up people, the Olympics are not about just team sports, Their about the Athelets who are participating in them. If you want to root for a team sport watch hockey. And for those of you that bring race into this individuals winning accomplishment get a life of your own. This man won the compitition , not his “Race”. I will watch him race again an be proud that he is an American that did his best and won.
14
Tom Lopez says:
February 19th, 2006 at 4:14 pm
I am once again aghast at the separate but equal treatment that Africa-Americans receive at the hands of the media and fellow olympians.
Chad Hedrick has behaved like a spoiled brat, watching his mediocre time fall to several skater, then saying he is glad for “Joey” Cheek—Shani gets the negative media coverage—for seeming surly.
Perhaps it isn’t enough to win a gold medal if you are black in the winter Olympics – but Mr. Hedrick could have shown a little elegance and congratulated the gold medal winner. Let us see what happens in the 1500m. Head to head competition.
Actually, the only negative media coverage I’ve seen of Shani was the coverage on NBC. The print media seem to think his decision is the best thing since sliced bread, calling him a hero of the Olympics. Here are a couple of sample articles:
I think the media’s quest for coverage is colorblind.
Before the Olympics a great deal was made of Hedrick’s and Davis’ frienship off the ice, in spite of their competition on the ice. Now, it’s as though they’re mortal enemies. How much of that is real. How much is editing?
I’m not prepared to comment on the motives of Davis or Hedrick, as I don’t know either one of them.
16
Vonne says:
February 19th, 2006 at 6:01 pm
Hey, give the guy a break. He was trying to focus and I’m sorry, I have seen hundreds of arrongant white athletes so I’m not going to sit here in judge. The man had a job to do and he did it well. He was there to focus and win, not put on a good o’ boys American show. Quit hating and appreciate! (smile) I wouldn’t worry about interviews myself because after all, the media is just one big gossip ring for those that have too much time to listen. Go Shani!
17
dfx says:
February 19th, 2006 at 7:10 pm
If I were Davis, I would be getting pretty tired of every interviewer pointing out that I’m not just any winner… I’m THE Black Winner.
Davis has shown himself to be a tempermental, spoiled individual who believes first and foremost that he is a self made man, that he worships without shame. He has so much to learn!, and for his sake I hope he gains some insight soon. Otherwise, he will certainly make a great deal of trouble for himself by showcasing his unsufferable self-important attitude. Unfortunately, his disdain for fellow team mates puts him firmly in the “No Class” catagory. Olympic competitors are expected to be “good sports,” and whenever this
element of competition is not observed it debases the individual. Too bad that Davis does not get it, or care.
19
Alma Colon says:
February 19th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
I think those that took such offense to Davis’ demeanor during competition and interview after his gold medal performance have absolutely no clue about how much adversity he and his mother must have faced. Not their fault really. Only other minorities and others that can take a moment to put it into perspective can understand that this Olympics was a personal journey and a moment of gratitude to those that believed in him. Sure it looks less than patriotic to not want to participate in the team events, but perhaps he had experienced too many negative vibes within the sport and that there should be no need to be pretentious. Bottom line, nobody should have to dance for the “follks” anymore. It’s time to keep it real, and what Shani did was inspiring to everyone despite the fact that he was the first African American…why even make it an issue?
20
dce says:
February 19th, 2006 at 8:10 pm
Thank you Shani for helping NBC realize you are an America and now an Olympic champion and that’s all that’s important. You are a roll model for American kids all over the country. You have captured the true spirit of what can be accomplished in a free society. The haves will always be jealous when the have nots rise above privilege to reach heroic feats. You have given all of us, with a desire to succeed, hope. Congratulations!
21
Travis says:
February 19th, 2006 at 10:46 pm
Let’s now throw in the Shani’s medal ceremony.
Standing with bowed head during the ceremony while other winners smiled and/or cried during their ceremonies.
In a later interview Shani said he wanted to be a role model for the younger generation. I hope not too many youngsters watched the interview or the medal ceremony. He appears to like the controversy he creates whether it’s due to media or other athlete’s comments.
I wonder what we will see from him if he wins
the 1500.
22
F W Jackson says:
February 21st, 2006 at 9:28 am
Unfortunately, I was unable to see the races nor hear the comments first-hand. As a result, I’ve the benefit of taking a more objective view of this isse. It is nothing less than offensive that people accuse a young man of being “unpatriotic” because he has done what our government, most American companies Americans do, i.e. act selfishly for his own benefit. He was asked to make a sacrifice that, to him, was unnecessary and counterproductive. Those who are quick to judge him negatively should ask themselves what sacrifices they’ve made for the poor, the indigent, the disenfranchised.
On another front, it is the media’s responsibility to objectively report or interview so that we can make informed decisions and come to reasoned points-of-view. Obviously, that principle has been sorely lacking in the press industry over the last several years. It appears that Melissa Stark continues this failing of the press.
Finally, I am not surprised by the negative responses of some people. There have always been some Americans feel that people of African descent should behave in particular ways, without regards to how they are affected. In this case, an individual took a position that many have taken before him. He should be judged by the same yardstick as they.
You make some good points, however I wonder how can you be objective if you did not see the interview, first-hand. Regardless of what color he is, his answers to reasonable questions, such as “how do you feel about winning the Olympic gold” were, at best, terse. At worst, he was outright rude.
There may be perfectly good reasons for that, but if the interview stands on its own, those who have no personal knowledge of Shani are left to draw conclusions based on that interview. I think he did not serve himself well by behaving stand-offishly inthe interview. It was in his “best interest” not to alienate people if he wants sponsorship deals. That has nothing to do with the media, racism or anything else. If you’ve just won the Olympic medal, the natural assumption people make is that you’re going to appear happy about it— not surly. I make that assumption about all athletes who’ve just won a medal, regardless of color or nationality.
I, for one, think that the Olympics are about representing your country first— your selfish interests, second. The World Cup races are for self. The Olympics are for country. Naive? Perhaps. But that’s my opinion.
I’m not saying Shani was unpatriotic for his decision. Perhaps he felt that the best way to represent his country was to do his best in the race he excels in. But when people say he had no obligation to represent his country or to consider what was best for the team effort, that annoys me. Yes, I know it’s an individual sport, but at the Opening and Closing ceremony, you may notice that athletes march as part of their nation’s TEAM. Those who don’t want to represent their country in the Olympics should stay home and train for the next World Cup event.
24
lwill says:
February 21st, 2006 at 11:54 am
There are so many people out there blowing the whole situation out of whack. I actually did see Shani Davis giving his interview and thought he was a bit ugly during it. But I also attempt to understand how he might feel about all the bad things being said about him because he didn’t want to participate in the team event. Think about it… All the talk about patriotism, isn’t this a free country? this man has worked hard to do his best and if he wants to skate his own race then this free country full of judgmental people should let him do just that. He should not be shunned for wanting to maintain his energy or health or whatever to give his all in race that would show his talent.
Yes, Shani, your attitude was very ugly after your gold, but how about Chad’s attitude after winning the bronze! Talk about that if you want to make a big hype about Shani’s attitude, make sure you make the same hype about chad’s attitude. They both should be men about the situation and set those things aside when they are being honored for their achievements.
I’ll be watching tonight. I haven’t seen any of the competitors yet and probably won’t until it’s on television tonight. But if Chad behaves like a brat, I have no problem saying that he’s behaving like a brat. Bad behavior is bad behavior. It doesn’t matter who it comes from. I don’t like to see athletes behaving like children.
26
Leslie F. says:
February 22nd, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Shani appears to be wrapped up in his own agenda, (so does his mother) so how about the fact that he pretty much shot himself in the foot for his future in endorsements. If I’m an ad-exec there is no way I want that guy. It’s too bad this has turned into such an ugly deal. Go team USA!
27
JLB says:
February 23rd, 2006 at 5:12 pm
I felt embarrassed for Shani, Chad, Texas and America. Over the past few years the stature of Americans has steadily declined. As an African-American I feel that Shani missed a great opportunity to savor the moment of his accomplishment by pouting during the interview. He was obviously elated by his win, but for some reason, refused to allow the viewers to share that with him For Chad, well, he has continued to pout because Shani refused to help him achieve his goal of 5 goal medals. It was not Shani’s responsibility to do so. I was appalled that he said in his interview that “Shani did not want to win the….with ME.” As a Texan, I understand Chad’s attitude. Texans are arrogant in their pursuits. We just naturally feel that when we smile the whole world will smile with us. It is nice when it happens, but people have choices. Finally, we Americans generally are of good will. We fight the good fight…together. We circle the wagons. Did not happen with these two guys. I can accept them pursuing separate goals, I just having a problem with them whining and airing our dirty laundry before the entire world!
28
Eddie says:
February 27th, 2006 at 2:32 pm
Why are so many people in an uproar about Shani. My goodness Who snubbed who? Quite naturally, Shani was upset about it. Shani chose to to dedicate himself to win the Gold Medal in what he was best trained to do individually. Since when has it become a “Team Sport” Yeah, they were all on the same team but as individuals. I can guarantee, if a white athlete made the same decision as Shani, he would be viewed as “doing what he does best”. I don’t care what people say, double standards still exist. This man is a Gold and Silver Medal Winner. America, treat him as such.
With his compelling two-word answers after winning an Olympic gold medal, Shani Davis has either showed us he has yet to master the English language or that he’s simply a ****. I’d tend to believe the latter. No pride in his country and no class. Bottom line, an embarrassment.
I agree. Shani appeared very happy and excited on the ice after the win. His interview was possibly due to previous comments by Chad and also the media constantly bringing up the interviews of each and about the team pursuit.
I am happy that he won however one wouldn’t know by his interview. The 1500 is going to be
interesting to watch. I think I’d like to see Chad win it. At least he gave a good interview after he won his.
I think Shani could have won the 1000 even if he had skated in the team pursuit. He has a great deal of talent.
Wow, what a complete lack of charecter.
Shani really should have been a little more cooperative—something I don’t blame him for after some of the press coverage he’s gotten—but NBC’s the one that’s having trouble with the English language. First, of course, they call them the “Torino” Olympics, but that’s old. Now they say Shani Davis is the first “African-American” individual gold medal winner in Winter Olympic history. Well technically true, what we all know they were really trying to say (and what virtually all print sources said) was that he was the first black (person of African descent) Winter Olympian (not only “American”) to win an individual gold. Reminds me of 2002 when a bobsledder was called the “first African-American from any country” to win a gold medal in the Winter Games. I’m waiting for a black athlete from some other country to win a gold to see if s/he is referred to as the “first African-non-American” to get a winter gold. Or maybe such athletes don’t exist in NBC’s world. Sorry for the rant.
Way to go Shani – considering the mess that **** Hedrick started, why would he have a toothy grin? After the NBC interview he did go on and talk/joke/laugh at length with other (less combative) reporters.
I was very proud of Chad for achieving gold in the 500 meter, it was embarrasing to watch him blame Shani for not skating the team pursuit. Speed skating is not a team sport, never was and never will be. He has now made a debaucle of the issue in front of the world. Be a gracious winner and do not sour for others committed to achieving their personal goals.
Media is to blame with the hype machine of eluding to you matching Eric back in 1980. This would not be even close to the same thing even if it did come to fruition. Eric won 5 individual events, not 4 and then 1 team event.
Congrats to Chad, Shani, Joey for winning gold and being the best in that race. Be humble and quit acting like an ass which the whole world is relishing in.
You are not Lance Armstrong and this is not a team event. You are a great individual skater just as the other 2 are. Keep it all in perspective.
Wish all 3 of you the best of luck in the 1500.
B
It’s a shame that someone representing the United States, albeit on his own, had to display an attitude in the interview after he won the gold medal. I’m definitely not a fan of someone who abandons his team to make it all about himself. After I heard the story about Shani, I never cheered so loud for a Canadian during the race.
No wonder the stature of the United States of America is deminished in the eyes of the world.
I really don’t think I have seen a worse interview in all my years. His lack of class only lends credence to all that his been said about him.
I thought it selfish the first time I heard that he would not compete with the team. I’m sorry but the Olympics are largely about the team aspect and coming together as a country. Bad move on his part and I think shed some light on his character. Then I watched his individual race and saw the interview afterwards. It was rude of him to treat his interviewer that way – even if he’s having some issues. The world is watching but it seems he’s too wrapped up in himself to care how he portrays our country or his race. Way to help out black people in the US, way to inspire young kids, way to get the big picture. You showed a lack of class, a lack of patriotism and a complete lack of character. If I were your teammate and knew you behind the scenes I can only guess that I wouldn’t have been cheering for you either.
Attitudes don’t belong in the Olympics. Atheletes who have them should stay home. Even if he wins—he is an embarassment to the USA. I absolutely agree with “Shea”: I never cheered so loud for a Canadian to win.
If Melissa Stark had any interviewing skills whatsoever, she would have gotten results. Clearly, Shani was upset with the way NBC has cast him in this saga – doesn’t mean he’s right or wrong. However, unlike a guy like Jim Gray, who knows the questions to ask and does his job without getting rattled by the person he is interviewing, Stark got flustered, then decided all she had in her bag of tricks was to be snotty and unprofessional.
Clearly, something was bugging the kid, but Melissa Stark lacked the talent to get to the root of the issue.
I’ve had the pleasure of watching the Olympics since the early sixties. I believe that they are for the individual to compete in only representing their Nation. These “games” are about each person doing the best that they can in their own sport for their Nation. Why would a man give up a chance to do his best, in a sport that he has spent his life trying to be the best, because he has to ‘take one for the team’? Shani Davis made a choice to compete in a race that he has trained hard to win in these Olympics. The thing that started what should have been a crowning moment for Shani was that Chad had set his personal goals to win as many gold medals as Eric Hyden did was only spewing some of the old green eyed monster after he failed to match that feat. And for you people that want to rain on Shani’s win shame on you. I remember the Olympic year that the US. chose not to go to Russia bc/ of the Afganistan invasion. There were hundreds of athletes who were denied a chance to compete in their individual sports because of politics. And as wrong as that was to take away from Shani his Olympic moment because he chose to race in his specialty race and not a team race is wrong. Grow up people, the Olympics are not about just team sports, Their about the Athelets who are participating in them. If you want to root for a team sport watch hockey. And for those of you that bring race into this individuals winning accomplishment get a life of your own. This man won the compitition , not his “Race”. I will watch him race again an be proud that he is an American that did his best and won.
I am once again aghast at the separate but equal treatment that Africa-Americans receive at the hands of the media and fellow olympians.
Chad Hedrick has behaved like a spoiled brat, watching his mediocre time fall to several skater, then saying he is glad for “Joey” Cheek—Shani gets the negative media coverage—for seeming surly.
Perhaps it isn’t enough to win a gold medal if you are black in the winter Olympics – but Mr. Hedrick could have shown a little elegance and congratulated the gold medal winner. Let us see what happens in the 1500m. Head to head competition.
Actually, the only negative media coverage I’ve seen of Shani was the coverage on NBC. The print media seem to think his decision is the best thing since sliced bread, calling him a hero of the Olympics. Here are a couple of sample articles:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2002815011_olyshani19.html?syndication=rss
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/torino2006/speed_skating/news?slug=ap-spe-timdahlberg&prov=ap&type=lgns
I think the media’s quest for coverage is colorblind.
Before the Olympics a great deal was made of Hedrick’s and Davis’ frienship off the ice, in spite of their competition on the ice. Now, it’s as though they’re mortal enemies. How much of that is real. How much is editing?
I’m not prepared to comment on the motives of Davis or Hedrick, as I don’t know either one of them.
Hey, give the guy a break. He was trying to focus and I’m sorry, I have seen hundreds of arrongant white athletes so I’m not going to sit here in judge. The man had a job to do and he did it well. He was there to focus and win, not put on a good o’ boys American show. Quit hating and appreciate! (smile) I wouldn’t worry about interviews myself because after all, the media is just one big gossip ring for those that have too much time to listen. Go Shani!
If I were Davis, I would be getting pretty tired of every interviewer pointing out that I’m not just any winner… I’m THE Black Winner.
Davis has shown himself to be a tempermental, spoiled individual who believes first and foremost that he is a self made man, that he worships without shame. He has so much to learn!, and for his sake I hope he gains some insight soon. Otherwise, he will certainly make a great deal of trouble for himself by showcasing his unsufferable self-important attitude. Unfortunately, his disdain for fellow team mates puts him firmly in the “No Class” catagory. Olympic competitors are expected to be “good sports,” and whenever this
element of competition is not observed it debases the individual. Too bad that Davis does not get it, or care.
I think those that took such offense to Davis’ demeanor during competition and interview after his gold medal performance have absolutely no clue about how much adversity he and his mother must have faced. Not their fault really. Only other minorities and others that can take a moment to put it into perspective can understand that this Olympics was a personal journey and a moment of gratitude to those that believed in him. Sure it looks less than patriotic to not want to participate in the team events, but perhaps he had experienced too many negative vibes within the sport and that there should be no need to be pretentious. Bottom line, nobody should have to dance for the “follks” anymore. It’s time to keep it real, and what Shani did was inspiring to everyone despite the fact that he was the first African American…why even make it an issue?
Thank you Shani for helping NBC realize you are an America and now an Olympic champion and that’s all that’s important. You are a roll model for American kids all over the country. You have captured the true spirit of what can be accomplished in a free society. The haves will always be jealous when the have nots rise above privilege to reach heroic feats. You have given all of us, with a desire to succeed, hope. Congratulations!
Let’s now throw in the Shani’s medal ceremony.
Standing with bowed head during the ceremony while other winners smiled and/or cried during their ceremonies.
In a later interview Shani said he wanted to be a role model for the younger generation. I hope not too many youngsters watched the interview or the medal ceremony. He appears to like the controversy he creates whether it’s due to media or other athlete’s comments.
I wonder what we will see from him if he wins
the 1500.
Unfortunately, I was unable to see the races nor hear the comments first-hand. As a result, I’ve the benefit of taking a more objective view of this isse. It is nothing less than offensive that people accuse a young man of being “unpatriotic” because he has done what our government, most American companies Americans do, i.e. act selfishly for his own benefit. He was asked to make a sacrifice that, to him, was unnecessary and counterproductive. Those who are quick to judge him negatively should ask themselves what sacrifices they’ve made for the poor, the indigent, the disenfranchised.
On another front, it is the media’s responsibility to objectively report or interview so that we can make informed decisions and come to reasoned points-of-view. Obviously, that principle has been sorely lacking in the press industry over the last several years. It appears that Melissa Stark continues this failing of the press.
Finally, I am not surprised by the negative responses of some people. There have always been some Americans feel that people of African descent should behave in particular ways, without regards to how they are affected. In this case, an individual took a position that many have taken before him. He should be judged by the same yardstick as they.
You make some good points, however I wonder how can you be objective if you did not see the interview, first-hand. Regardless of what color he is, his answers to reasonable questions, such as “how do you feel about winning the Olympic gold” were, at best, terse. At worst, he was outright rude.
There may be perfectly good reasons for that, but if the interview stands on its own, those who have no personal knowledge of Shani are left to draw conclusions based on that interview. I think he did not serve himself well by behaving stand-offishly inthe interview. It was in his “best interest” not to alienate people if he wants sponsorship deals. That has nothing to do with the media, racism or anything else. If you’ve just won the Olympic medal, the natural assumption people make is that you’re going to appear happy about it— not surly. I make that assumption about all athletes who’ve just won a medal, regardless of color or nationality.
I, for one, think that the Olympics are about representing your country first— your selfish interests, second. The World Cup races are for self. The Olympics are for country. Naive? Perhaps. But that’s my opinion.
I’m not saying Shani was unpatriotic for his decision. Perhaps he felt that the best way to represent his country was to do his best in the race he excels in. But when people say he had no obligation to represent his country or to consider what was best for the team effort, that annoys me. Yes, I know it’s an individual sport, but at the Opening and Closing ceremony, you may notice that athletes march as part of their nation’s TEAM. Those who don’t want to represent their country in the Olympics should stay home and train for the next World Cup event.
There are so many people out there blowing the whole situation out of whack. I actually did see Shani Davis giving his interview and thought he was a bit ugly during it. But I also attempt to understand how he might feel about all the bad things being said about him because he didn’t want to participate in the team event. Think about it… All the talk about patriotism, isn’t this a free country? this man has worked hard to do his best and if he wants to skate his own race then this free country full of judgmental people should let him do just that. He should not be shunned for wanting to maintain his energy or health or whatever to give his all in race that would show his talent.
Yes, Shani, your attitude was very ugly after your gold, but how about Chad’s attitude after winning the bronze! Talk about that if you want to make a big hype about Shani’s attitude, make sure you make the same hype about chad’s attitude. They both should be men about the situation and set those things aside when they are being honored for their achievements.
I’ll be watching tonight. I haven’t seen any of the competitors yet and probably won’t until it’s on television tonight. But if Chad behaves like a brat, I have no problem saying that he’s behaving like a brat. Bad behavior is bad behavior. It doesn’t matter who it comes from. I don’t like to see athletes behaving like children.
Shani appears to be wrapped up in his own agenda, (so does his mother) so how about the fact that he pretty much shot himself in the foot for his future in endorsements. If I’m an ad-exec there is no way I want that guy. It’s too bad this has turned into such an ugly deal. Go team USA!
I felt embarrassed for Shani, Chad, Texas and America. Over the past few years the stature of Americans has steadily declined. As an African-American I feel that Shani missed a great opportunity to savor the moment of his accomplishment by pouting during the interview. He was obviously elated by his win, but for some reason, refused to allow the viewers to share that with him For Chad, well, he has continued to pout because Shani refused to help him achieve his goal of 5 goal medals. It was not Shani’s responsibility to do so. I was appalled that he said in his interview that “Shani did not want to win the….with ME.” As a Texan, I understand Chad’s attitude. Texans are arrogant in their pursuits. We just naturally feel that when we smile the whole world will smile with us. It is nice when it happens, but people have choices. Finally, we Americans generally are of good will. We fight the good fight…together. We circle the wagons. Did not happen with these two guys. I can accept them pursuing separate goals, I just having a problem with them whining and airing our dirty laundry before the entire world!
Why are so many people in an uproar about Shani. My goodness
Who snubbed who? Quite naturally, Shani was upset about it. Shani chose to to dedicate himself to win the Gold Medal in what he was best trained to do individually. Since when has it become a “Team Sport” Yeah, they were all on the same team but as individuals. I can guarantee, if a white athlete made the same decision as Shani, he would be viewed as “doing what he does best”. I don’t care what people say, double standards still exist. This man is a Gold and Silver Medal Winner. America, treat him as such.