Russakoff Rules
Kidd Gives Away Gold Medal
By Lee Russakoff
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:16:16 GMT
Jason Kidd is feeling generous. So he's giving away the gold medal he won as part of the "Redeem Team" in the Beijing Games. No, he's not giving it away to charity, his kids, or a distraught and goldless Allen Iverson. Kidd is doing one better. He's giving his medal to a casino.
Kidd is handing his gold medal over to Elaine Wynn, wife of casino magnate, Steve Wynn.
Why? Good question.
"No, it's not a marker or anything like that," Kidd told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "She's (Elaine) just a great friend and a really great person.
"Last summer, we stayed at the Wynn for (what seemed like) a lifetime, close to three weeks. We met at a banquet, we got to talking, and she really understands the game.
"I told her I'd make a deal with her, that if we won the gold medal, I'd give it to her. She thought I was kidding. But I told her I had one already, and the way they treated us at the Wynn, it was the least I could do."
I believe you, Jason. Of course it isn't a marker. This sounds like a great "deal" from your perspective. By the way, anytime you want to make a "deal" with me for your 2008-09 salary, I'm down.
As for this gold medal, look at the bright side, at least Joumana won't get it.
What do you think of Kidd's "generosity"? Am I being overly cynical? Add your own comment here.
Message Edited by Lee_Russakoff on 08-27-2008 10:41 AM
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It sounds totally fishy to me. Why in the world would you give your gold medal to someone you've only known a few weeks? Because they were hospitable? Hmmm......Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:50:40 GMT | Srqgal
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I get he was "true" to his word. But if he was going to give the medal away, he should have given it to Coach K. I'm sure people will agree, Coach K is MUCH MORE deserving of the gold medal.If he wanted to say "thank you" to the Wynn's, then send some expensive flowers.
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:54:52 GMT | LittleOne27
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I do not understand this crap at all. Put it in a safe deposit box for your children. Better than that, keep it himself. However, it belongs to him and he can do what ever he chooses. I would have kept it in hmy posession.When the players spoke of winning gold, you would think it meant more to him than what is being displayed.
Maybe it was all just hype!!
Clinney
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:55:40 GMT | chopper1
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I always thought Kidd was a dumb asss (wife abuser) - this confirms it. What a mook.Message Edited by Coyute on 08-27-2008 11:00 AM
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:58:56 GMT | Coyute
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WOW! The "Redeem Team" had so much to prove by bringing the gold back to the US. Now it's just that simple to give, what you've worked so hard for,...up that quick??? I agree with LittleOne27...he should have at least given it to Coach K!!! Send Mrs. Wynn "$40 miollion dollars" in flowers if the stay was THAT great!Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:00:18 GMT | n2deep
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the only thing i can think is that he will always get his room comp in the future?Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:02:20 GMT | jolee
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Hello!...... of course a casino owner or owners wife or anyone on staff is going to be hospitable to you. Especially if you are a millionare. I would be hospitable to someone to if I knew they were going to gamble away "give" me money they don't care about.Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:04:34 GMT | GoVikings_GoJazz
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This sounds too suspect to me. Just like Marion Jones denied doping, it all comes out later. Why not donate it to charity instead of give it to a "new found friend". Let's ask Charles Barkley... he probably knows what's up. LOL I guess he didn't deserve to go to the Olympics if he doesn't appreciate his gold medal and what it means.Message Edited by GrillaDogg on 08-27-2008 11:07 AM
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:05:03 GMT | GrillaDogg
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This is what happens when you put a pro where an amature should be. Someone who would appreciate the opportunity to experience the Olympics as they should be experienced...not by someone who could care less about the event and the GOLD MEDAL!Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:05:15 GMT | sammyabby
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Just wondering... how many people (no matter how deep their pockets are) stay in a casino hotel for three weeks? Serious gamblers I think. Gamblers that lost a lot of loot and are trying to re-coup their losses maybe? Hmmmmm........... wonder what the rest of his teammates think?Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:11:47 GMT | GrillaDogg
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I'll bet that he's trying to give her more than his "appreciation". She's "a really great person" ??? Orphans, the homeless and the truly needy can be really great people too, Jason.Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:12:32 GMT | u50cvh
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MAN!!IF YALL BELIEVE THIS THEN I'VE GOT SOME GOOD STOCK I WANT TO SELL YOU!!HE'S OWES THIS LADY AND HER CASINO LOTS OF MONEY IN GLAMBLING DEBTS AND SHE IS TAKING HIS GOLD!!!!Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:23:39 GMT | shajae02
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Russakoff, Yes, you're being to cynical; stirring up mess.. Why is it that the media be it in any form always read more into things than necessary? The man stated he gave his word what he would do if gold was won; he kept his word. He's part of the original dream team; he already has olympic gold w/the USA basketball team. It should be no big deal... just can't shake the haters off.Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:24:21 GMT | nikohl4
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What part of this story makes any "good" sense. This entire story is SUS-PECT. Repaying for generosity has really been taken to the next level. Rest assured the truth will come out down the line.Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:25:24 GMT | blackcherry
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I dont really know why you are all upset about this. he already has a gold..he already has millions..why does he need to pass on two gold medals into the family. and if not mistaken the coaches are also awarded medals. so there was no point to give it to coach K..and if it was a marker for gambling...who cares? it has no affect on you or me or anyone else in this world. and to you all who said jason kidd didnt care about the olympics or the gold is a bunch of BS...why would an aging player go thru all the wear and tear of the olympics and make that dedication to become a team over the past few yrs. they have like 1 month now before training camps start for them. to claim he didnt care is moronic..so think before you make comments you know nothing about. use a little common sense.Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:26:15 GMT | bwwiest
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What a joke. Who does he think he's fooling. I BET, someone is now looking into point shaving in the NBA.Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:41:12 GMT | ScottieDog
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who you know that just wants to give a medal for 3 weeks at someone house. watch soon you hear it from his wife or this lady just another nba scoundel before the season begins.
Mod Edit: Let's keep it clean please.
Message Edited by shungokusatsu on 08-27-2008 01:18 PM
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:41:42 GMT | spittingfire01
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Sounds like a cover up. If this Wynn lady had any character at all, she would not let him give it to her. Just say it was a drunken promise that it really doesn't count. Jason, when your kids ask about your accomplishemnts in life after basketball are you going to to tell them go to the Casino and take a look. Your pathetic.Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:41:53 GMT | jwmidd
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Coach K doesn't get awarded a medal - in the olympics coaches are not awarded with them. Before you make comments make sure you know what you are talking about!!Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:45:32 GMT | justlettnuno