With the American curling team entering Friday's action with an 0-4 record in the Winter Olympics, the team decided to bench skip John Shuster prior to their match against France. Shuster, who is typically a dependable asset to the team, has struggled in Vancouver with his shot-making ability. From Taiwan News:
"For this game he is sitting out," Patzke said. "We support their decision. It's not unprecedented. Our mission and their mission is to put the best possible team on the ice for every game."
[...] He said Thursday after a third straight extra-end loss, this time to Denmark, "I've let my teammates and USA Curling down."
The decision was made by the team on Thursday night. Stay tuned for results from Friday's match.
More: SB Nation's full coverage of the Winter Olympics and complete 2010 Winter Olympics Medal Count Tracker