You probably never heard of Gwen Berry before last week, and you probably only know of her because of her protests and not for her ability as an Olympic hammer thrower. Berry caused quite a stir at the end of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials, as she turned her back on the flag during the playing of the National Anthem. This is not the first time Berry has protested against the country for which she competes to represent. She protested during the anthem at the 2019 Pan American Games.

Last week, Berry turned toward the stands and away from the flag as The Star-Spangled Banner was being played at the trials in Eugene, Oregon. Near the end of the song, she put a black T-shirt with the words “Activist Athlete” on her head.

Her competitors who were also on the podium, DeAnna Price, who won the competition, and Brooke Andersen, who took second place, put their hands over their hearts and faced the flag.

As I’ve written before, I support any individuals right to peaceably protest. What I question, however, is their motive and where they choose to conduct this protest. As in the case of the NFL and NBA players kneeling during the National Anthem, I feel that is not the appropriate time or place to protest.

If I were to protest in my employer’s private place of business, that employer would have every right to tell me to “get back to work, or be fired.”

Besides, these athletes don’t do themselves any favors by choosing to protest the country that affords them the opportunity to play a sport and make an extremely lucrative living doing so. It divides their fan base between those who support them and will continue to purchase tickets or watch the games on television, and those fans who have sworn to never attend a game again, and won’t even watch it on television.

In the case of Gwen Berry, I question why someone would compete so exhaustingly in a sport, to represent a country on the international stage (Summer Olympics) when she doesn’t respect that country or what it stands for.

Berry responded to criticism of her actions on Twitter, saying people’s comments show they “rally patriotism over basic morality” and “the commercials, statements, and phony sentiments regarding black lives were just a hoax.”

Is that so?

She went on to tweet; “I never said I hated this country! People try to put words in my mouth but they can’t. That’s why I speak out. I LOVE MY PEOPLE.”

Well, I didn’t say she hates this country, but I did write that she doesn’t respect this country. I realize those are two different things, and I believe she realizes that, as well.

So, I suppose you can disrespect your country and still want to represent it in athletic competition, as long as that country’s Olympic organization continues to foot the bill for you to compete without having to hold down a real job, outside of athletics, and so you can achieve great fame on the international stage.

And by the way, if it allows you to make a statement by protesting that country’s National Anthem, to bring more attention to yourself, than that’s even better.

USA BASKETBALL TEAM

Led by three-time Olympian Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets), USA Basketball unveiled its official 12-member U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team, last week.

Selected for the U.S. Team, which is seeking a fourth consecutive Olympic title, were: Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Durant, Jerami Grant (Detroit Pistons), Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors), Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks), Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).

The USA coaching staff is led by head coach Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs), assistant coaches Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors), Lloyd Pierce and Jay Wright (Villanova University). Jerry Colangelo is the USA Men’s National Team managing director.

“I’m happy for the selected players and looking forward to having the opportunity to work with this wonderful group when practice gets underway on July 6 in Las Vegas,” said Popovich. “I’m excited to represent the United States in our quest to earn a gold medal in Tokyo.”

“We are excited about the 12 players who have been selected to represent the United States in the Tokyo Olympics,” said Colangelo, who has served as managing director of the USA Men’s National Team since 2005. “Our roster features players who are experienced in the international game, and this team has outstanding athleticism, versatility and balance. We also believe we have excellent leadership which is a necessity in order to develop the needed chemistry. We still have a lot of challenges in front of us, but I believe these players will become a team that all Americans will be proud of.”