It's a well known fact that politicians and sports usually don't mix, at least at the top level of the political tree. Maybe it's all the attention that these politicians have put into their own careers or maybe it's just that the majority of sports fans are too busy watching ESPN to run for any office; but usually, when a sports reference is made during political gatherings, it's got a great shot to be cringe-worthy.
The exception to this, one of the more notable ones of recent years, has been our very own President, Barack Obama.
Obama, who has reason to celebrate after watching the Supreme Court vote to uphold his controversial 'Obama Care' plan 5-4 on Thursday, is an avid sports fan and isn't afraid to show it. But even he can make a mistake or two when pulling out the sports card.
On Tuesday evening, the President was giving a campaign speech at the Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater, and as anyone looking to win favor would do, referenced the newly crowned NBA champs in his speech. Unfortunately, he made a small mental gaffe that has sports purists groaning slightly.
"Finally, it would be incomplete if I did not congratulate the city of Miami for having the world champion Miami Heats here in town," Obama said. "You guys earned it."
For those of you not spotting the flub in the above statement, there is no 's' at the end of the Miami Heat.
Ok, maybe we're just nitpicking a bit here. It's not like he called them the Miami Thunder or anything, but we just expect more from such an avid sports guy that our president has claimed to be. Granted, he seems like more of a baseball man, and given the cojones he showed on Monday in another speech he was giving, I will call this week a wash for the President on sports matters.
Speaking about the speech earlier this week, for those not in the know, the President, in front of Boston area fundraisers, actually thanked them for their gift of fan favorite Kevin Youkilis to his Chicago White Sox. That mild joke sparked a cascading ring of boo's from the audience and brought a chuckle to Obama's face.
While that comment may have cost him a few bucks that day, it earned him the respect of true sports fans everywhere.
James LeBeau is a sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports and you can follow him on Twitter @JleBeau76 or subscribe on Facebook.com/CraveOnlineSports.
Photo Credit: AP
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