In the realm of professional sports, few things are as sacred as the national anthem, and its reverence. Yet Gilbert Arenas has never been one to play by the rules, as his latest admission might be his most daring yet: “I don’t know all the words to the national anthem.” As Arenas’ words unfold, they hint at a future where the 2028 Olympics could become the stage for a drastic shift in how America is perceived on the global stage. What does Arenas see, that could reshape this iconic global event—and what does it mean for the rest of us?

When Gilbert Arenas revealed that he didn’t know the words to the national anthem, it was a bit unexpected, especially from someone who wore the Team USA jersey on the world stage. However, he had his reasons, as he further justified that the anthem wasn’t something he ever really felt connected to or needed to memorize. Arenas didn’t stop there, though. He also gave a pretty negative picture of what he sees America becoming by the 2028 Olympics. “2028 America, boy, it’s going to be bad. It’s going to be horrible, it’s going to be racist,” said Arenas via No Chill Gill.

What does Arenas mean by “Racist”? Well, as Arenas dug deeper into his grim vision for 2028, he painted a picture of a country on the brink of something unsettling. He talked about how the simple act of donning the American flag, which used to be a symbol of unity, now feels like it’s taken on a whole different meaning. “Right now, when we see American flags on somebody’s car, we automatically think, ‘Trump supporter,” said Arenas. His point here is that the flag, once America’s pride, has gradually become connected with a specific political faction.

This is where his worries begin to take shape. This shift in perception is what drives Arenas’ concern. “When 2028 comes around and you’re all about going American, you start to seem a little Trumpish,” he added, warning that extreme displays of nationalism could blur the lines between patriotism and sports. Although, it’s important to look back at his career—a journey filled with highs, lows, and a complicated relationship with Team USA.

Gilbert Arenas and the Olympics: A Complicated Relationship

Gilbert Arenas’ Olympic journey is a story of missed chances. Despite being one of the NBA’s top players in the mid-2000s, he never got to show his skills on the Olympic stage. In 2006, he was part of the USA Basketball squad heading to the FIBA World Championship, a key step toward the 2008 Olympics. However, a groin injury took him out, and he didn’t make the final team. Arenas felt frustrated, believing he wasn’t given a fair shot by Coach Krzyzewski, leaving him with some unfinished business when it came to his Olympic dreams.

By 2008, when Team USA was gearing up for Beijing, Arenas was left out again. Despite his talent, he wasn’t invited to the final training camp, with USA Basketball referring to his previous ailments. Realizing his Olympic ambition was slipping away, Arenas acknowledged that his shot had passed. He claimed there were no hard feelings, but his comments hinted at lingering frustration regarding how things played out.

Gilbert Arenas’ opinion on the future of America and the 2028 Olympics isn’t simply a wild guess—it’s informed by his own bumpy connection with Team USA, where missed chances and a feeling of being left out. As we look ahead to 2028, Arenas’ narrative encourages us to think about how patriotism and sports blend in today’s society. What do you think—could Arenas be right? How do you anticipate the Olympics changing in the future? share your views in the  comments below!

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.