Steve Nash might very well be the most valuable player on and off the court. Not only is he the League's greatest point guard, a fearless leader, and someone capable of seeing things on the floor that others simply cannot; he's also one of the most outspoken athletes around. He recently sat down for an interview with Playboy magazine and discussed his views on the war in Iraq.PLAYBOY: You took a political stand at the 2003 All-Star Game, wearing a T-shirt that read No War -- Shoot for Peace. Opposing the invasion of Iraq seems awfully smart now. Do you feel vindicated?While some coaches have been known to discuss the war, it's quite rare for a superstar athlete these days to be this open with his views on such a controversial topic. It's always nice to know that these guys have a little more going on inside their heads than the size of their next contract or where they're going to make it rain next.
NASH: I don't need to feel vindicated about Iraq. Look, it's not about "I told you so." I just don't believe in aggressive war. Aggression should be a last resort. I didn't think we had done all we could to find weapons of mass destruction before launching an invasion. That's all. I wasn't being anti-American or anti-Bush. And I didn't say you have to believe what I believe. I just wanted everyone to try to be a little more informed, to dig a little deeper.
PLAYBOY: You're not anti-Bush?
NASH: I don't want to spend time being anti-anyone.
(HT: True Hoop)
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
I've said this before: I wish players would be more outspoken like this. I respect work that is done at the community level through programs like NBA Cares, and I think it's important for everyone to get involved at that level. But when you are a star athlete, you can also impact opinions and politics on a much broader level...
Just so you know 'Making it rain' is just how some athletes help kids and promote education in their local communities.
The Lord works in mysterious ways...
I do not think it is inappropriate to allow athletes to think for themselves. Everyone has a right to express their views regarding our political leaders, the War in Iraq, and our foreign policy, whatever their job, profession or vocation. Steve Nash should not be forced to surpress his views about our insane involvement in Iraq, because he is the best point guard in the NBA. Martin Sheen need not keep quiet. Even, Dennis Miller has a right to express his views of the War and the Bush administration. No athlete or actor should be asked to keep quiet. This is America!
Our country which was built on tolerance, has become extremely intolerant. Not only do we criticize dissent, based upon the dissenter's opinion, we now criticize the dissenter because of who or she is.
I commend Steve Nash for thinking and expressing his opinion. He is no different from anyone in our nation who has the right to give their point of view.
Wow... a liberal Canadian... they should try to find one that likes hockey next.
You don't have to be a liberal to be against the war in Irag. All it takes is having an intelligence quotient slightly above that of a chimpanzee. Steve Nash is certainly one of the intelligent athletes around. With Nash at point guard, Phoenix is playing finesse basketball.
Nash should back to Canada
Where are you from, Steve Wetback (Comment #6)? In a single sentence you are missing a verb and a period at the end.
Nash is a great point guard and outstanding athlete who shows a lot of heart and conscience on and off the court. Its not at all suprising the small minded with take pot shots at him. Much as I'd love to make some comments to Steve (#6), your ignorance speaks for itself. It would be so nice to read a blog and the comments without garbage.