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Tiger Woods is sort of black.

I would say race played a very minor role in America's backlash against the Dream Team. More likely factors include, like you mentioned, the U.S.'s traditional dominance in basketball and the fact that they weren't playing other millionaires.

I don't care if the U.S. Ryder Cup team millionaires lose to millionaires from Europe, but I do care if the U.S. basketball team millionaires lose to amateurs or poorly paid Europeans.

I think the difference is reaction to the two events goes back to their home league and tour. NBA players are overpaid, and still they complain about money. Some get guaranteed contracts, so they get paid even when injured.

Many pro golfers lose money each week when they tee it up. They are responsible for their own caddie fees and transportation, and half the field receives no check after a missed cut.

I am not saying pro golfers are not pampered, because they are, but they have to earn their checks every week, and they get no credit for past performance.

After further thought, I think the nasty reaction to the Dream Team was brought on by the number of NBA players that turned down the opportunity to play in the Olympics. Fans were angry about what seemed like complete disregard for the honor of competing for the U.S. The players that did agree to play were in the spotlight, so they received the brunt of that anger.

I think it comes down to the popularity of the sport and the perceived dominance of the U.S. in International basketball.

I know that golf is popular in the U.S., but not nearly as popular as basketball. Passionate golf fans are a minority in the U.S. Golf is also an individual sport and a fan usually identifies with the individual golfer, rather than a golf "team".

Lastly, the U.S. is used to dominanting basketball while golf has always been played on a more even playing field. People expect the U.S. to win it all every time in b-ball. We know that we don't have the same dominance in golf.

Just my two cents.

I agree with pretty much all these posted comments. But don't you wonder why so many people talked about the hoops guys as being spoiled millionaires, not team players, etc. but didn't level those same accusations at a golf team full of wealthy guys who didn't exude nearly the level of team spirit that the Euros did. And yes, I realize that golfers make some of their money based on performance, but many of these guys - Woods and Mickleson in particular - are wealthy from endorsements, regardless of how they finish in a particular tournament.