Basketball’s governing body said Friday it will clear NBA players under contract to play in its leagues during the lockout, as long as they return once the lockout is over.

In a ruling that paves the way for players to earn a paycheck on the court, FIBA agreed with NBA and players’ association officials that players are free to sign anywhere, but do so at their own risk of injury.

“As the world governing body for basketball, we strongly hope that the labor dispute will be resolved as soon as possible, and that the NBA season is able to begin as scheduled,” secretary general Patrick Baumann said in a statement.

“In view of our role to promote basketball worldwide, we support any player wishing to play the game, wherever and whenever. We do so while obviously taking the interests, rights and obligations of all parties into account.”

I reached out to these guys and they seem to have a great passion for the Spurs and has told me that looking at the American blogs are the main reason that got them to start one for fans in Brasil.

Spurs Brazil – What do you do the balance of his first season with the San Antonio Spurs?

Tiago Splitter - I started with an injury problem, I came pretty worn out from my time in Spain and had the following Sunday, which I could not play 100%. This weighed heavily on pre-season and fell on an injury just when I was starting my career in the NBA. But fortunately I was able to recover, could help the team at times of the season. Maybe I did not have the minutes that I wanted, but it is normal on condition that I was a rookie on a team and playing conservative, Popovich, I think that’s a normal thing and I accept his decision. I hope to continue improving. I think both on and off the court learned a lot and hope to continue improving next season, be a little more active in games and to help the Spurs win more games.

Continue after the jump to check out the rest of the interview.

(more…)