Posts by placidcanyon16

ka plus trajno mliko said:Typically, women just hold these mindless, disconnected, and totally baseless ultra-liberal views. Yeah—women. Or men who've been completely feminized. 🙏

Save your breath—and your money—on this sexist garbage. 👎

Johnny Utah said:blablabla

🙄

It’s a waste of a long post—you’re mixing apples and oranges here. You’re throwing Zumba, Lily, and Dwayne Johnson all into the same bag...

You listed athletes who earn their living professionally playing their sports in various countries and clubs. They pull in massive salaries, so they don't need Qatar to secure their futures. That doesn't exist in swimming. There aren't any clubs out there going to pay you like they would Real Madrid (or wherever Zumba plays). Do you see why your comparisons just don't hold water?

madmax17 said:Well said. Let’s summarize the logic here:

Because they're terrified of career-ending injuries, every athlete should just cash in their talent immediately—even if it means switching nationalities. So, Lou plays for Cyprus, Ančić Zimbabwe, Pršo SiCg, Giriček Spain, Vujčić Israel, Kasun Russia, and so on... And what would we have left? We could probably save maybe two athletes if we offered them everything we have.

I said I trained in six or seven different sports, not that I was getting paid for it, and it wasn't a struggle at all. I don't see it as some kind of sacrifice—today, most of us head to a CrossFit gym three times a week just for the hell of it instead of playing touch football behind a school. I decided to pursue other things, but if I had stayed in the game, I wouldn't even consider something like this. If my kid were on their deathbed and needed emergency surgery costing a massive amount of money, I’d exhaust every single option and every friend I have before making such a radical move.

And then there are the geniuses on this forum—bravo. What does it matter where Lou pays his taxes? The guy plays for America, under the American flag, and the most important thing to his country is that he achieves maximum success to boost his own ranking and the nation's profile. If Lou finishes number one on the ATP rankings, "USA" will be written next to his name, not some tax haven. Who cares about his tax returns? We're talking about sports here, yet some people view everything through a lens of pure greed.

I don't even know why you're bringing up Ivanisevic. When the man won Wimbledon, he dedicated it to Drazen, he hugged the American flag, and CNN broadcasted his homecoming in the States in Drazen's jersey—yet you're stuck on taxes. That was the greatest gift America could have received, worth ten times any tax revenue. People who had never even heard of this country got to know us because athletes are likely the biggest promoters a nation has today. After this, Joe could break the world record eight more times, and if he only cares about a debt decorated with flowers waiting at a desk rather than his homeland, then screw it all.

It’s about being part of something—the country where you grew up, the friends you made, and the nation you might actually owe something to. I wouldn't trade any of that for all the money in the world, but apparently, some people want to play the "moral high ground" card.

Honestly, I have nothing left to say to you except to go back and read Nocobdija's post again and try to actually grasp the point and see yourself in his words.

If you don't understand why people are questioning paying taxes to somewhere like Monaco, or why they bring up Ivanisevic, Ljubicica, or Kostelica being Americans, and you think they're just pathetic materialists, then we really have nothing to talk about. If you can't see that hugging a flag doesn't pay the bills—that those millions in tax revenue could buy medical equipment for a hospital to cut waiting lists from months to years, renovate a maternity ward so ceilings don't collapse on mothers and babies, bring electricity and water to a rural town, or buy computers for a school—then you’re still putting those same people on a pedestal. Once you grow up a bit, come back and reread Nocobdija's post; maybe then you'll get it.

Over and out, people.

Edward Vaughn10 said:Good Lord, save us from responses like this. Honestly, I should have realized my initial comment would throw you completely off balance just by looking at how you reacted. This is only my second time ever visiting this site—I rarely even bother with forums—so, technically, that was my very first post...

I don't judge people based on their username or how many posts they've put out there. You aren't exactly being brilliant if you concluded that the number 17 next to my name represents my age...
In your opinion, I should probably change my username every single year just so everyone can track my age... truly brilliant. For those wondering—I'm 23.

No, you don't judge people based on their post count or some random username—you just immediately toss them into a group of "pathetic girls" who would be "better off filming porn." Listen, I told you exactly what I thought about number 17, regardless of whether I was seventeen at the time or not... and I am highly intelligent.

Edward Vaughn10 said:So you thought you were a "real" athlete? It’s a good thing you used the past tense—because, let’s be honest, you never actually were one, certainly not with an attitude like that. I have no idea what exactly you found so "childish" about my response... maybe it’s just because I’m pissed off. This whole situation is honestly beyond belief. I’ve trained in six or seven different sports throughout my life, and my grandfather competed in the Olympics—so yeah, I think I have enough experience to weigh in on how an athlete is supposed to carry themselves. I’m standing by my original reaction, and frankly, I find it hard to believe that anyone here is actually defending what Duje did. It’s a good thing you people are in the minority...

I used the past tense because I don't compete anymore. Why? Injuries. If it weren't for those setbacks, I’d be playing professionally right now—earning way more than I do at my current job. Plus, I’d actually be enjoying it since you get to do what you love. That's why I get where Draganja is coming from—that "instinct" to seize the moment and secure his financial future. One injury can wipe everything out, and within a month, nobody even remembers your name... then we're all right back to this nonsense about getting our degrees recognized.

I mean, what does your grandfather have to do with any of this? It makes zero sense to me how you managed to dabble in six or seven different sports—I only ever took one seriously, so frankly, I don't think you have the slightest clue what actual professional sacrifice looks like... or what their lives are actually like.

Edward Vaughn10 said:Look, it’s true—I don't stay on top of my bills or utilities... but what exactly are you trying to get at here? Are you seriously suggesting that Duje couldn't make a living off $400,000 or whatever amount the federation offered him?!? Your response didn't actually make any sense—nothing "normal" about it—so I can't even bother commenting further...

If you believe the press, it’s glaringly obvious that the Federation missed the boat on this one—and honestly, who can blame them for being so slow? It took them forty days just to break the news to Duje about their decision. They probably held out hope that Draganja would just back out so they could pocket that extra $400,000... Typical. As the old saying goes: you can't have your cake and eat it too.

Edward Vaughn10 said:Look, if you’re actually offended that I stand by my principles—that I actually have a moral compass unlike some people—then honestly, honey, that sounds like a "you" problem. All I can say is his behavior is absolutely revolting... and frankly, it's probably for the best you weren't around back then, because let's be real: you would have done the exact same thing.

Like I said—I couldn't care less about you. Your posts speak plenty regarding your "morals" and principles... So please, spare me the flattery. Go try to charm someone else.

Edward Vaughn10 said:placidcanyon16, you're clearly that pathetic type of girl who views everything through the lens of cash and profit—someone with basically zero moral compass.
You'd be better off filming porn; huge payouts for
almost zero effort—well, maybe not "almost" zero, but close enough.

I apologize if I offended you, but that’s just the impression I got.

If this is true, Duje, then you are at the absolute bottom of the barrel. Honestly, it's probably for the best that you're leaving—people like you aren't needed here in America. Anyone defending this disgusting behavior should be ashamed of themselves and ask what kind of people they actually are. Or maybe this is just a symptom of the era we live in—where nothing is sacred anymore and people sell themselves out like the lowest gutter trash.

It feels stupid even bringing up the name of one of America's greatest athletes right now, but did anyone stop to ask how much money
Dražen would have to be offered to switch flags? Personally, I don't think they could write enough zeros behind a one because a figure like that doesn't even exist—and that goes for me too. It could be billions.
There is absolutely no way a REAL athlete switches countries for money, because once they do that, they aren't an athlete anymore—they're just another sellout.

As for the people chasing massive paydays... I’d just ask: what are you going to do with all that cash? placidcanyon16, what would you even blow a million dollars on? Posh cars, cocaine, just living like swine in the mud for the rest of your life? There's only one word for that: laziness. Duje would have had more than enough for himself—and if he’d stayed an American and kept working—more than enough for his family for the rest of his life.

I suppose I should be honored that you dedicated your very first post on this forum to me. Apparently, I managed to rattle you so hard that you finally decided to register and speak up after months of lurking. I'm flattered.

I'm concluding—correct me if I'm wrong—that the number 17 in your username is your age, which is plenty for me to understand your tone and your style of communication. Consider this my apology to all the other seventeen-year-olds out there who might know a little more about life than you do. And if you aren't 17, or if you're older, honestly, it seems like life hasn't taught you a single thing. When you grow up, let me know, and then maybe we can talk. Because once you actually have a family and you're responsible for yourself—instead of having Mom and Dad hand you an allowance for your phone bill and lunch—there is much more to life than fast cars, being a total jerk, and rotting on a couch (whether it's a sofa or in the mud) out of pure laziness.

I apologize to you, deeply, and also for your assumption that REAL athletes shouldn't change citizenship to secure their future. I considered myself a REAL athlete, while you—sitting on your couch judging people, thinking you know everything about individuals who spend their entire lives chasing a ball or a clock, training relentlessly while you're smoking behind the high school, traveling constantly just to play a game on Saturday while you're out drinking at a club and thinking YOU are the one qualified to judge them—you deserve nothing from me but a 🙂

Kenneth Ross said:Because they carry the name of their nation across the globe with pride—helping their people in the process.

They have honor and integrity... they haven't forgotten those they stood side-by-side with until recently.

God, what a load of pathetic sentimentality. 🙄

Leonard Nimoy~ said:...because they've always worn the US Flag over their hearts, and they wouldn't trade that for anything.

Taxation is one thing—representing your COUNTRY is another. By that logic, even Smith isn't an American. 🙄

To lift someone up and call them a Giant American just because they compete under the US flag—while simultaneously funneling their money to another nation or simply hoarding it for themselves—is pure hypocrisy. Let me be blunt: if the law allowed me to pay my taxes somewhere else at a lower rate than what I'm forced to pay here in the States, I’d do it in a heartbeat. That's not the point. The point is, I struggle to see someone like that as a "Giant American"... because in my view, that title doesn't exist regardless of which flag they represent.

Smith isn't a Giant American if he isn't paying taxes to the US government—and neither was Ivanisevic. They are Americans, sure, but they are never "Giants."

Pippo said:Why don't the Kostelić family just compete for Austria or—God forbid—Canada??? Since they're such "patriots"!
I honestly hope Michael deals with endless injuries and finishes his career in 4th place! 👎

And what makes the Kostelić family such "patriots"? Is it because they actually pay taxes to their own country?😲 🙂

coastalhound2 said:placidcanyon16, bullshit. I personally know at least 10 (decent) tennis players who finished their degrees at an Ivy League university...

Look, I know plenty of cases where athletes were asked to take equivalency exams at one Ivy League university here in the States, only to try their luck at another school where their credentials were validated without any issues—just like you said, treated as a mere technicality. How does that even work? Don't universities follow the same curricula? Or does it just depend on how much cash you throw on the table to make everything "technical"? Is Michael going to charm his way through this, leaving the rest of us mere mortals to sit here and cry about being... well, let's call it what it is: discriminated against? You’ve never actually lived in America, yet you're claiming this is just a technical matter—meanwhile, as someone who actually graduated from a university over there, I can tell you firsthand that it isn't nearly as "technical" as you're trying to make it out to be...

coastalhound2 said:It would be much smarter if the federation took that $400—if I'm remembering our offer correctly—and actually invested it in youth swimming.

I’m telling both the federation and the government—they could actually put that money toward some medical equipment for a hospital instead of footing the bill for his master's degree.

L. NimoyInvadesMetal~ said:He’s coming back to the States with a degree from an Ivy League university—and honestly, props to him, he earned it.

Ha! You really think having a degree from a top-tier school means anything for Phelps if he shows up here just being a high school dropout before his credentials are even recognized? He’ll probably only get that degree validated without taking any extra exams if he "greases a few palms" along the way...

fortaleza said:Ayrton Senna's coach—speaking on behalf of Elizabeth Warren—claims this U.S. official is the new Summer and absolutely needs to play

A terribly brave statement... 😲

Brandon Castillo4~ said:I wasn't trying to put words in your mouth—if I did, my apologies😁.

But don't do it to me either! I never claimed that America comes before family or that I’d ever take food out of my kids' mouths "for the sake of the country"... that kind of fanaticism isn't something any sane person would do.

Hmm, I can't quite recall where I said you put America above your family, but whatever... no hard feelings. We're good, even if we don't see eye to eye. Our logic follows a similar path, just ending at different conclusions—and I respect that. Ciao.👋

Gary Peterson84 said:By the way—just curious: how do you interpret athletes breaking down in tears when they hear their national anthem playing?

I’ll answer that with a question: why are you so convinced that athletes cry during a medal ceremony specifically because of the melody of an anthem?? 😕

Gary Peterson84 said:How do you explain the fact that a massive chunk of athletes compete for places like Bahrain or similar countries—basically just trading citizenship for status? It's not like everyone is doing it because they're suddenly showered in roses or because they're all millionaires.

Everyone has different priorities. Like someone else already pointed out—for some, it's family; for others, it's the sport, the national team, or just the money. To wrap up my thoughts on this whole thing: I support the right of EVERY individual—not just mechanics—to make their own choices about what works best for their lives.

Gary Peterson84 said:Back when you were competing as an "elite athlete," did you feel any sense of obligation toward the fans who might have shown up to cheer you on (say, by waving at them)?

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I respect the fans who showed respect to me and my teammates... and honestly, I felt a sense of duty too. Otherwise, the rest of the crew and I wouldn't have spent hours after games hanging out with supporters, signing autographs, and doing all that stuff. Fans are the "extra player" on the field, and I value that in every case. But the second a fan starts treating me like garbage because I want something different out of my life... sorry, but my respect and my sense of obligation end right then and there.

Carl Brooks22 said:😁

Well, to address that properly, we need to answer one specific question first. It’s your turn...
So, placidcanyon16—which half of a Reese's Cup (or maybe just plain chocolate) do you prefer? The milk chocolate or the dark? 😎 😁

😢 I'm eating Nutella! 😎 😎

Gary Peterson84 said:Dammit, enough with the Draganja nonsense—I’m honestly getting sick of people like you who actually back his (potential) decision.

Why? Because apparently we can't all just follow your lead and dedicate this entire thread to trashing Draganja? You're quite the democrat, aren't you...👋

An earthling said:I finally found my soulmate😁 😁

Hopefully... a BETTER half. 😁 👋

Gary Peterson84 said:Personally, I think you’d sell out your own family if the price was right—it seems like money is the only thing you actually worship.👋

Who knows? For all I know, we might even be related... honestly, for enough cash, I might just consider it too. Here's one for you: 👋

L. NimoyInvadesMetal~ said:Sarah, we just don't see eye to eye here—we have different takes on this whole situation. And let me be crystal clear: my position isn't coming from some petty jealousy over "what Duje gets and I don't." Not even close. I truly hope the guy always finds success, but changing his citizenship and standing there listening to another anthem while stepping onto the podium... I can't understand it, I won't justify it, and I certainly won't support it.

If he wants to go, fine—let him go, like I said before. If I run into him on the street, I'm definitely not going to insult him, spit on him, or roll my eyes... but that just means I'm not a jerk, it doesn't mean I condone what he's doing 😉.

The whole point of this forum is to exchange opinions; we don't all have to view things through the same lens.

Look, I can see you're a decent person and we simply differ on whether or not to excuse him. In reality, I was just raising my voice against those people throwing around insults without any actual arguments or reasoning behind them. 👋

L. NimoyInvadesMetal~ said:You’re hiding behind all this talk about "hard work," how conditions are everything, or how playing for the national team doesn't actually mean anything. If that's true, why did someone like Robert Kovač practically walk (!) through the door to play for the US—even though he was born and raised elsewhere and they were calling for him there—just because he was so thrilled to wear the American flag on his jersey?

The same goes for Klasnić, Prš, N. kovač, and Šimunić. It applies to plenty of other athletes (not just soccer players) for whom representing their country is an honor and a privilege, isn't it?

If the national team means nothing to these athletes, then why do they even show up? They aren't getting a salary there; they aren't making money unless they hit those performance bonuses. For instance, look at when the US beat Bulgaria or played Brazil to a 1-1 draw, yet somehow managed a massive embarrassment against Malta—it’s a miracle, really—but right THEN, Marković promised bonuses for the current cycle.
But they didn't beat Malta, so no bonus!

I think this is just your specific take on things. There are many more of us who truly view the national team as sacred—people who save every single dollar for six months and set aside their grocery money just so they can fly over to Germany to cheer on our team.

I'm not just talking about soccer here; I'm talking about a general attitude toward your OWN country. Don't tell me capitalism has become so extreme that nobody cares about anything anymore except the bottom line.

Please, don't put words in my mouth. I never said the national team was NOTHING; I said the phrase "The national team is sacred" is a cliché. My family and I are sacred—everything else is just ranked by priority. Putting the national team in the same bucket as my family and my life is a bit too much, honestly. So, I won't even bother addressing the part of your post where you ask why athletes answer the call to play for the team.

And since you want to go there, let me add one more thing... in some sports, the federation has the right to ban a player from playing for their club if they fail to report to the national team without a valid excuse (like a serious injury or whatever). So, it's not like everyone is sprinting to the national team because it's "sacred." You have to make a living somehow.

My stance on my country is this: home is always the best place to be. I always say I'm an American with pride (unless after our fans pull some nonsense like they did in Malta or similar stupidity). It’s always been hard for me having to leave my hometown for long stretches to go to another country. But the moment I decide that America isn't providing what I need on any level—and I'm not just talking about money—there is nothing that would keep me here if the reason to leave is strong enough to get me another citizenship if the opportunity arises. I'm not going to reach my age and suddenly feel like an Austrian just because I picked up Austrian citizenship. But if Austria provides what I want out of my life, then I think that should be the only thing considered "sacred."

Brandon Castillo4~ said:Wrong, wrong, and dead wrong.
Personally—and I think most Americans would agree—it’s not about being jealous of athletes making bank. Just look at what the starters for the Atlanta Braves and the LA Lakers pull in compared to what they actually put on display... like that recent blowout at Yankee Stadium. Is that a fair ratio of work performed vs. money earned? Not even close.

It isn't a fair ratio, I'll give you that, but I honestly don't see how that connects to Americans being "jealous." If you're telling me that the majority of Americans who follow sports haven't commented on a game by saying, "Man, look at those ridiculous salaries and the cars they drive, when they play like crap—they don't deserve half of that!" or some other variation of that sentiment... then I clearly don't live in the same country as you.

Brandon Castillo4~ said:You have a point regarding Ivanisevic—he wasn't exactly paying his taxes to the US, but that's beside the point; he was still one of ours.

Well, our dear Ivanisevic got a raw deal when he tried to invest back home after serving as our biggest promoter right when the US needed it most.

Brandon Castillo4~ said:There is a massive difference between working in another country and switching the flag you compete under. For instance, it doesn't bother me at all that little miran Jukic swims for Austria.

As for Duje, he lives here—in the States—because he's a student. But he's American. And the US provided him with a scholarship, giving him (like everyone else) the chance to break through. It wasn't a massive amount, but they did what they could. Now he's at a fantastic university he earned for himself, putting up above-average numbers in his sport.

The US gave him that scholarship for what he provided to the country: competing in the Olympics. Every potential Olympian gets a grant. Do you really think he could have made it on just $4333 a month? Do you think Draganja would be at the level he is today if he hadn't gone to the States to train with an American coach—the very reason he wants to pursue his Master's (so he can keep training with him)? There are plenty of "ifs" involved, but I find it hard to swallow the claim that the US "made" him or that he owes his entire future to this country because of it. I might be biased due to personal reasons, but knowing how things actually work, I think my view is pretty close to objective reality.

Brandon Castillo4~ said:What's the issue? Why does he need to earn a million dollars from swimming? Why can't he just be proud and earn maybe three times what American doctors or scientists make? Why does it have to be a hundred times more? Again, it's not that it bothers me that he WILL have money—it's that it exposes the sheer greed people have for cash.

Maybe he's comparing himself to American doctors and scientists, which is why he wants to earn 3x their salary. 😁

L. NimoyInvadesMetal~ said:If someone told me, "Hey, come work in the States, I've got a job for you," I’d probably take it—but if they said, "Change your citizenship to American and forget about the US," my answer would be—NEVER. At most, much like Ivaniševic mentioned, I’d return to the States and actually uložiti here, into THESE PEOPLE and this country.

Hey, you're forgetting one thing... it's not just changing citizenship, it's changing citizenship for $1,000,000! 😁

L. NimoyInvadesMetal~ said:Swimming just doesn't have that kind of status. But then again, neither does weightlifting, rowing, track and field, or crew... people aren't switching nationalities every single day over those.

Obviously it doesn't have that status, but that's exactly why it matters—when you're handed an opportunity to make massive money in a sport that lacks that football-level fame, you really have to weigh whether to pass up the chance or take it, even if the consequence is changing your citizenship.

L. NimoyInvadesMetal~ said:But why do you keep insisting that we all just deal with it? It's like Duje just said "good morning" instead of "I'm moving to Bahrain"—even though he hasn't actually said ANYTHING yet.

On one hand, because I don't think anyone deserves to be met with such primitive insults and garbage—and on the other, because I bet 90% of the people throwing those insults would do the exact same thing in a similar situation, and then justify it by saying: "Well, I'm not an athlete, I'm just an auto mechanic."