NBA All-Stars James Harden and Russell Westbrook Will Not Play in the 2016 Summer Olympics
Could the Zika outbreak in Brazil be a factor?
NBA superstars James Harden and Russell Westbrook just announced that they will not be participating in the 2016 summer Olypmic games to be held in Rio de Janeiro this August. A growing list of players including MVP Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul have also opted out in competing, which could mean that the final 12-man team to be picked by June 27 could see some new faces. The U.S. roster currently includes big names such as Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and LeBron James.
In his announcement Harden, says,
“As a result of many difficult conversations with my family, the Rockets, and trusted advisors, I’ve notified Jerry Colangelo and Team USA that I will not be competing at the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Brazil. This decision was a painstaking one that I did not take lightly.
Westbrook also informed the media,
“As a member of the 2012 London Olympic gold medal team, and as team captain for the 2014 FIBA gold medal team, it goes without saying that USA Basketball has provided me with some of the most meaningful personal and professional accomplishments of my life. I have been extremely blessed to wear the ‘red, white and blue’ and to compete at the highest international level with the greatest players representing the greatest country in the world. I sincerely hope I’ll earn an opportunity to represent Team USA again in the future.”
While controversy of controlling the Zika virus in Brazil during the games have been a hot topic, no American player has really expressed concern. However, Chicago Bulls’ forward and Spain team member Pau Gasol, who enrolled in medical school before his basketball career, did say that he would consider skipping the Olympic games due to Zika virus concerns.
