BLAME IT ON NASH?

Steve Nash in action for
Team Canada in file photo.

Columnist Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun believes the refusal of Steve Nash to suit up for Team Canada was a major factor in the downfall of the Maple Leaf squad in the FIBA World Championships in Turkey. Buffery remains befuddled by the prima donna treatment being given to the two-time NBA MVP by Canada Basketball officials. He feels Nash should have been at least reprimanded for his acts of turning his back on the National team.

“Hardly anyone talks about Steve Nash and the fact that the 2000 Olympic Games hero refuses to play for Canada now, even though he's still a great player. Yes, he has chronic physical issues, as do many other veteran players who pull on the jerseys for their country at international events. And, yes, he only has a few good years left in the NBA and wants to maximize his abilities in that regard. But, again, the same can be said for other, particularly European, veterans who play in the NBA. But consider this: Canada Basketball undoubtedly would have bent over backwards to get Nash on the team. I know for a fact they would have allowed him to arrive at training camp whenever he was ready. They would have limited his minutes to what he saw fit. Hell, they probably would have lobbied to have a street named after him. But, no, never a discouraging word is said about the man. Speaking out against Steve Nash is like speaking out against Motherhood in this country. Nash is a wonderful person and had given a lot to Canada Basketball the last few years. But you have to wonder why everyone, including Canada Basketball officials, are so reluctant to knock the Golden Boy, even just a little bit, for turning his back on the program and the country. It's not like he spent the entire summer lying on his sore back.”