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Tony Parker and Spanish national team are class acts in victory and defeat

The Wee Frenchman had some high praise for the Spaniards after their convincing victory over France, and the Spanish head coach offered praise of his own.

By Mateo Geovanny
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Tony Parker's career with the French national team came to an end yesterday as Spain eliminated France in the Olympic quarterfinals by an eye-popping final score of 92-67. Parker's international career concluded on the same day as Spurs teammate Manu Ginobili's, whose stellar run with the Argentinian national team ended with a quarterfinals loss to Team USA. Both legends announced their retirement from their respective national teams prior to the Olympics. After the loss, Tony was the class act we know and love him to be, heaping generous praise unto the Spanish national team, and Spanish head coach Sergio Scariolo graciously accepted and returned praise back to the newly-retired Parker.

The humility displayed by both men after an emotional contest is what we love to see in sports. Tony didn't let this tough loss prevent him from giving credit where credit is due, and he even got a chance to catch up with his new teammate Pau Gasol.

Win or lose, you can always count on Spurs players to carry themselves with class and dignity. Congrats to Pau on the victory and to Tony on a memorable career with France.

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