File this under "strange." A St-Louis Post-Dispatch Olympics blog, apparently written by an unnamed author (update: see below), is quite upset with Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum for saying that his back was sore during France's debut loss to the United States because he was standing so long during the Opening Ceremonies. The Post-Dispatch's big concern, apparently, is how angry Blazers fans will be over the stated reason for his sore back. ------------------------------------ Travel and back injuries and a limited practice schedule (especially with Batum, presumably, taking it easy on the conditioning while working without a contract for most of July) are worth considering. But to call out the Opening Ceremony? To be the one athlete in all of London to blame that for sub-standard play? That can't go over too well. It certainly isn't with us, and we're not Blazer fans. Fretting over that $46 million deal. Wondering if Batum understands that the time to tempt and excite with potential has passed, and that now it's time to demand the ball, attempt to work and score from different angles, and to act like a go-to guy. In all, an uneasy start for all involved. ------------------------------------ Update: The article was penned by Kelly Dwyer of Yahoo! Sports and appears to have been syndicated on the St. Louis Post-Dispatch without attribution. Here's the original. Dave's thoughts on what to take from early Olympics play here. -- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter