With Tom Cruise carrying the Olympic flag on a motorcycle to Hollywood, the 2024 Paris Olympics has come to a close. Now, U.S. athletes eagerly await to compete on home soil in Los Angeles in 2028. However, one player, Jayson Tatum, might not participate as predicted by Agent Zero.

After hearing Tatum’s diplomatic response about whether he would like to participate in the 2028 Olympics, Gilbert Arenas claimed that Tatum might take a similar approach to Caitlin Clark’s and politely decline the opportunity to avoid the Olympics. “If I want to play and the answer was yes, then you just say, hell yeah. This right here. This is hell no… if you start giving shit like this, that’s a slow f*** you,” Arenas said, referring to Tatum’s statement.

Pointing out Clark’s polite move during the All-Star weekend, Arenas mimicked her words. “What can Caitlin Clark do to them at the All-Star Weekend? ‘I think I need some rest. Y’all looking for the three-pointer in contest? Yeah, I need some rest.’”

Contrary to fans’ expectations, the Indiana Fever rookie did not participate in the WNBA 3-point contest, choosing instead to rest and focus on her mental health. “it’s just like, I need a break,” Clark had said after turning down the opportunity – calling it the biggest thing.

Tatum had to sit out both the games against Serbia and ended up averaging 17 minutes per game. Many were displeased with the number, including Charles Barkley and Jeff Teague who even declared the Celtics star would definately opt out of the Olympics. “Jayson Tatum, he’s done with the Olympics bro… He’s never going to play [in the Olympics] again,” he had remarked. But what did the 2024 champion and 2020 Olympic gold medalist have to say?

Jayson Tatum to think rationally

As previously mentioned, the 5x NBA All-Star clarified that his experience in the 2024 Olympics won’t impact his decision for 2028. Tatum shared with fans that the Olympics experience has been tough for him, but when it comes to participating, he won’t let his emotions dictate his decision. 

He said, “If you asked me right now if I was going to play in 2028…it is four years from now and I [would have] to take time and think about that. So I’m not going to make any decision based off how this experience was or how I felt individually.”

Agent Zero has been particularly vocal about his frustration over Tatum’s benching. He even called out Coach Kerr for the questionable decision, though the coach has repeatedly clarified that it was tough to decide who would play. At the end of the day, Tatum only takes it as a learning experience. “It’s definitely challenging and humbling at the same time,” he adds. 

One of the top scorers in 2020 Olympics, Tatum ended his Paris campaign averaging 5.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.

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.