Becky Hammon says her lifelong dream was to play basketball for her country in the Olympic games. But, unfortunately, her vision was not shared by Team USA. USA officials never invited the Rapid City native to play in a single international game. That fact makes it possible for Hammon to still play in the Olympics this summer. But not in the way you are thinking of.

After signing a lucrative four year deal to play for a Russian club team in the WNBA off-season, Hammon also agreed to take her skills to Beijing this summer as a member of the Russian National team.

My first thought when I heard about this was is she Russian? No. She's an American. But she has a Russian visa because she plays there in the WNBA off-season, which somehow allows her to be eligible to play for the Russians. (The RUSSIANS. Weren't they like our hated enemies in the 80's???)

In the office this weekend, some felt it wasn't that big of a deal. But I do. I don't have anything against Hammon, but I feel this is sending the wrong message. To me, it's saying, well you didn't make the team, so because you play over-seas and have a visa, go play for another country. It just doesn't seem right to me. It's one thing if you are from that country, but Hammon is not an that's the bottom line.

Sorry your feelings were hurt when Team USA didn't select you, but hundreds of thousands of athletes have not been selected to represent your country, and they don't go sign up and play for someone else when their name wasn't called.

I've never had the chance to represent my country, but I'm sure the athletes that have had the chance to wear the red white and blue, they thought it was an honor and a privilege, rather than a mere birthright.