Dwyane Wade: Miami Heat Star Wants Payment for Playing on Team USA

According to Michael Wallace of ESPN.com's Miami Heat Index, Dwyane Wade's patriotism should seriously be called in to question. He believes NBA players should be compensated for playing in the upcoming London Olympics.

In the article, Wade was quoted as saying:

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"It's a lot of things you do for the Olympics -- a lot of jerseys you sell. 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 there. But I think it should be something, you know, there for it."

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With only two weeks between the end of the NBA regular season and the start of Team USA's training camp, Wade argues that the resulting wear and tear on a player's body deserves payment. He suggests that players could share the profits from sales of Olympic jerseys.

I actually liked Wade's suggestion, mostly because it gives me one more reason not to like the Miami Heat.

Actually, I detest the idea that Wade supports. Paying American athletes to play in the Olympic Games is absurd. It should be an honor to be asked to represent your country in competition—not something that requires enticement.

I know, love for one's country is not what it used to be. Yet every four years the Olympics come to town, and rampant patriotism comes with it—even if it only lasts for a couple weeks. People paint their faces, wear red-white-and-blue, chant "U-S-A!" repeatedly and shed tears when we win.

The stories of the athletes who dedicate themselves, overcome monumental obstacles and personal heartache and put their lives on hold for gold is a testament to how important the Olympics are.

Yet our NBA stars are quibbling over licensing dollars?

The Olympic Games are the last bastion of true patriotism. A monetary incentive for athletes would simply soil the true meaning of the games. On the other hand, the fact that we are having this discussion might signify that the meaning is already lost.

How did we get to this point? In 1989 the International Basketball Federation decided to allow NBA players to participate in the Olympics. The minute that decision was made, the Olympic Games were made vulnerable to Wade's kind of thinking.

That is the most disturbing part. As I got over my pre-existing anti-Wade feelings, I realized that raising this issue is not his fault. I disagree with him, but what can I expect? He is a professional athlete, and his mind-set is par for the course.

Basketball is his business. His name and his talents result in other people making money, and he wants a part of it. So be it.

I just wish he would have added one more thing: his intention to take the money he earned in the Olympics and throw it back to those athletes who really need it. Unfortunately, Wade did not imply that all Olympians get paid, just his NBA buddies.

Let's remember: The vast majority of Olympic athletes compete in sports with no professional leagues, and most do not have sponsorships. Many of them have to raise funds in order to travel to the games. If NBA Olympians are going to get paid, than those athletes deserve payment as well.

By sharing the wealth, Wade and company would actually be keeping the spirit of the Olympics alive.