04/19/24
December 24, 2002
We want you to be right-back... in the army.: The career of Liverpool's Norwegian midfielder John Arne Riise may be put on hold, because his home government wants him back to serve his mandatory year's national service with the army. Riise could have deferred the year out, but a letter posted by his mother requesting a postponement failed to reach the relevant authorities by the November deadline. It's a long way from Muhammed Ali refusing the draft in the 1960s, but have any other modern sports stars had their careers interrupted or cut short by similar requirements?
Norway has an army?
posted by jasonbondshow at 08:58 AM on December 24, 2002
Many of the great baseball stars of the 40's and 50's served in the army during World War II and the Korean War. Ted Williams (note that 1943-1945 is missing from his stats, as is large portions of 1952 and 1953) is probably the best case as he served in both wars in the middle of his sporting prime. What makes him special is that he didn't serve behind the lines in a promotional way, he was a fighter pilot and had many close calls.
posted by grum@work at 09:13 AM on December 24, 2002
Earler this year, Arizona Cardinals' safety Pat Tillman chose to give up pro football, and about $I million per year, in order to join the army.
posted by liam at 02:04 PM on December 24, 2002
This unilateral, militaristic act must be opposed and stopped!
posted by Bag Man at 12:13 PM on December 27, 2002
OH MY GOD!! This better not happen... Riise is a great player! I mean, he is REALLY GOOD! Did anyone see the volley against Everton this weekend? Super fucking class! Or how about his scorching free kick against Manchester United last year? I stood up from the couch and spilled my beer when he cranked it.