From Rapid City, with love
BEIJING -- What a transformation Becky Hammon has made, in such a short time.
The former Colorado State star, current star of the San Antonio team in the WNBA, and the pride of Rapid City, S.D., is starring for the Russian Olympic women's basketball team here. The Russians made her an offer she couldn't refuse, reportedly $2 million, or 17 truckloads of rubles.
The team is 4-1 in pool play.
Tough transition from the Good Ol' USA to Moscowvite? Well, apparently, the Russians have helped grease the way. The roster they turned in to Olympic authorities, with official names of all participants in the Games, has her listed as: Hammon, Rebekka Linn.
Not a lot of those double "k's'' back in Rapid City.
-- Vladimir Dwyre
Photo: South Dakota native and former Colorado State starter Becky Hammon warms up with her Russian teammates before an exhibition game against the U.S. on Aug. 4. Credit: Elizabeth Dalziel / Associated Press
How the hell can someone sell their nationality? It almost makes prostitution acceptable - all they are doing is haggling over the price!! I couldnt think of a more disrespectful to do to what I thought was the world's most patriotic country. Shame!
Posted by: geoff bower | August 18, 2008 at 04:49 AM
Way to show the world what Freedom really is about Becky! This just proves that here in the US people can follow their dreams and show the world what a great country we live in. It's been a great watching Becky play and seeing that the brightest spot on that Russian team in the American. Good Luck Becky and I hope you win a medal!
Posted by: HFH | August 18, 2008 at 09:51 AM
All of you can say what you want about Hammon, but get your facts straight first and then once you get the USA in check when it comes to letting NATURALIZED citizens play for the USA, then you can say what you wish about Hammon. At least Russia had a true Russian citizen carrying their flag in the opening ceremony, which is more than I can say for the USA. So Americans need to get off their high horse and start looking in their own backyard before they go and criticize a country for doing the same thing.
She was not paid to play in the Olympics. She is paid to play for CSKA. The same way Taurasi, Bird, and Miller are paid to play for Spartak in Russia.
If the Russians can pull it off and win a medal then Hammon will recieve a bonus... same thing with the Americans, if they win a medal, they get a bonus.
Posted by: Linda | August 18, 2008 at 09:55 AM