Parker Ruled Out of FIBA World Championship

"France point guard Tony Parker was on Friday ruled out of the FIBA World Championship with a broken finger. Parker sustained the injury after getting his finger caught in the jersey of an opponent during France's last warm-up game against Brazil on Tuesday. He was initially ruled out of Les Bleus' opening game against Argentina, but on Friday - one day before the French team's clash with Argentina - coach Claude Bergeaud announced Parker would not play at all," reports FIBA.Sam Smith of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE writes, "It's OK. Go ahead. Wrap your arms around this USA Basketball team. You don't have to be afraid to embrace NBA basketball in international competition anymore. You can fall in love again, like you did in 1992."