France’s Parker to play in Manila q’fiers despite wife’s pregnancy

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) drives around Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) drives around Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

PARIS — San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker says he has reached an understanding with his pregnant wife that will allow him to take part in France’s Olympic qualifying tournament this summer.

Parker had raised the possibility of missing the tournament from July 4-10 and the Olympics — if France qualified — because of the expected birth of his second son in July.

READ: Powerhouse teams France, Canada join Gilas in Manila qualifier

But Parker told L’Equipe newspaper Monday that he will be available for both events, saying: “I will be at the Olympics if we qualify.”

Parker says his wife is making a “big sacrifice” by letting him go and has warned him he “should better bring a medal back home.”

The Olympic basketball tournament in Rio de Janeiro will be held from Aug. 6-21.

Read more...