Pau Gasol considering skipping Rio Olympics due to threat of Zika virus
Pau Gasol may not play for Spain in the Olympics because of the Zika virus in Brazil
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2 min read
Even though the final selection process for the USA Basketball team has not taken place yet, that unformed team is already expected to take home the Gold medal at this Summer's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. It may not be a cakewalk for the Americans though, as they could face strong competition from teams like Argentina and Spain. However, the Spanish team may be without one of their stars.
According to the Associated Press, Chicago Bulls big man Pau Gasol may not play for Spain due to the uncertain threat of the Zika virus which has created serious safety concerns in Brazil as it has become prevalent throughout the country:
The Chicago Bulls player said other Spanish athletes have also expressed their concerns about the virus and are also considering skipping the games."It wouldn't surprise me to see some athletes deciding not to participate in the games to avoid putting their health and the health of their families at risk," Gasol said, adding that he was among the athletes making such considerations.
"I'm thinking about (whether or not to go)," he said. "Just like every athlete, or any other person considering going to Rio, should be thinking about it."
Without giving names, Gasol said he talked to other athletes who told him they may not participate in the games.
"Some of these athletes are planning to have children in the near future and this could affect them, it could affect the health of their kids and their wives," he said at an event for one of his sponsors in Madrid. "Their health should come first."
Spain is already without Grizzlies center Marc Gasol, who is recovering from a broken foot and if Pau doesn't play, their front court will be drastically weakened. However it is easy to understand where Gasol is coming from with his comments.
Similar to the Chris Bosh situation, a person's health is far more important than basketball. Gasol is just adhering to the old saying, "better be safe than sorry." Brazil is dealing with a host of issues when it comes to the Olympics and the Zika virus is one of their top problems. There has also not been a clear sign that the virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, won't be an issue during the Olympics so Gasol's cautiousness is quite reasonable.
Sure he has an allegiance to his country (a country that he helped win two silver medals for in previous Olympics), but Gasol's health and the safety of other athletes is more important. Perhaps by Gasol taking a stand, other athletes will follow suit and the International Olympic Committee will take a serious look at the safety of this summer's games.
