At the Miami Heat practice on Wednesday, Dwayne Wade was asked about the Olympic basketball players being compensated for their participation.
“First of all, it’s an honor to play in the Olympics, but there are a lot of things you do for the Olympics,” Wade said.
Dwyane Wade #9 of the United States drives to the basket over the defense of Marc Gasol #13 of Spain during the gold medal game against Spain during Day 16 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China.
“A lot of jerseys you sell. There are a lot of things you do. We play the whole summer. I do think guys should be compensated, just like I think college players should be compensated, as well. Unfortunately, it’s not that, but I think it should be something for it.”
As the story escalated throughout the day, Wade decided to issue a few clarifications later Wednesday on his Twitter account.
1st Tweet: “I’m reading a lot of reports coming out about my comments re: the Olympics and compensation. I want to clear this up personally….”
2nd Tweet: “I responded 2 a specific question asked by a reporter on my thoughts of Olympians being paid. I never asked to be paid to PLAY.”
3rd Tweet: “What I was referencing is there is a lot of Olympic business that happens that athletes are not a part of – and it’s a complicated issue.”
4th Tweet: “BUT my love 4 the game & pride 4 USA motivates me more than any $$$ amount. I repped my country in 2004 when we won the bronze medal and …”
5th Tweet: “…stood proudly to receive our gold medal in 2008 in Beijing. It’s always been an honor for me to be a part of the USA Olympic family…”
6th Tweet: “….and I’m looking forward to doing it again in London this summer.
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