I don’t have an opinion on Wimbledon banning Russian and Belorusian athletes

This is not a story where I take a stance against Russia. In fact, I don’t want to be that voice that always whines and disses — out of his immigrant cave in America.

I just don’t have an opinion.

From ESPN:

The All England Club (AELTC) — the Wimbledon organizers — said the decision was made to “limit Russia’s global influence through the strongest means possible.” The statement continued: “In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships.”

I really should have an opinion, considering we are a Russian family and our kids play tennis competitively. I know intimately how much effort goes into pursuing a sporting career, a potential sporting career I should say; it’s by no means guaranteed. Every player you will see play Wimbledon, whether a superstar or an underdog you’ve never heard of, has worked hard their entire life, having been through many moments of gloom, failure, sacrifice, physical, mental and financial distress. We all make our own choices so I’m not trying to make athletes look like heroes. Just saying that when athletes don’t make it to their events because of boycotts or bans, I personally feel a lot of pity and empathy.