Jayson Tatum's Mom Questions His Playing Time at Olympics
- Jayson Tatum was benched during Team USA's semifinal win against Serbia in the Olympics.
- His mother, Brandy Cole, has publicly demanded to know why he is not getting more playing time.
- The situation has drawn attention and sparked discussion about Tatum's role on the team.
In a surprising turn of events during the Paris Summer Olympics, Jayson Tatum found himself benched for the second time in Team USA's 95-91 semifinal victory over Serbia. The decision has raised eyebrows, prompting his mother, Brandy Cole, to voice her concerns publicly. Head coach Steve Kerr addressed the media, stating that he opted for player combinations that he believed would be most effective, assuring that Tatum would eventually have his moment in the spotlight. Cole's frustration was evident in her response to ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale, who questioned Tatum's limited playing time given his All-NBA status. She confirmed that her son was not injured and expressed her dissatisfaction, calling the situation "unacceptable" and nonsensical. Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among fans and analysts who are puzzled by Tatum's reduced role on the team. Adding to the discourse, Cole shared a post from Barstool Sports’ Dan Greenberg, which criticized Kerr's decision-making regarding Tatum's playing time. The post suggested that if Kerr believes Tatum cannot contribute, it raises serious questions about his coaching capabilities for future competitions. Despite the controversy, Kerr emphasized that Tatum's lack of minutes is not a reflection of his talent but rather a strategic decision based on team dynamics. As Team USA prepares to face France in the gold medal game on Saturday, the spotlight remains on Tatum and the coaching staff's choices.