Parker to play with France despite wife’s pregnancy

Tony parker will play for France at the Rio Qualifying Tournament. (Bernat Armangue/AP)

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.

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.

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