2004 Olympics: Basketball

08:46 PM CDT on Saturday, August 28, 2004

By BRAD TOWNSEND / The Dallas Morning News

ATHENS, Greece – Tim Duncan wasn't available for comment after fouling out of Friday's semifinal loss to Argentina.

The probable reason became clear after Saturday's bronze-medal game victory over Lithuania, when Duncan spewed forth some of his frustrations about officiating during the Olympics.

"I'm about 95 percent sure my FIBA career is over."

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) governs basketball played outside the United States, including the Olympics.

Asked whether he is concerned that his experiences will deter NBA players from playing in future Olympics, Duncan said: "I hope not. I'll try not to share my experiences with anybody."

In eight Olympic games, including Saturday's, Duncan was whistled for 30 fouls. In Duncan's seven seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, his coach Gregg Popovich recalls him fouling out once, maybe twice.

"He was very frustrated throughout the whole deal," Popovich, a Team USA assistant, said. "To his credit, he kept his cool when a lot of guys would have exploded."