We have all been inspired by our new president this past year and are glowing in the promise that comes from his highly anticipated first days in the Oval Office.
The same enthusiasm is shared within the NBA players’ community as well, and not just amongst the likes of the high profile superstars, but within its rank and file as well.
The financial contributors to Obama’s campaign reads like a who’s who in the NBA and includes the likes of Kareem Abdul – Jabbar, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, as well as current stars LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Ron Artest and Baron Davis. (The heavy hitters club is indeed in session here.)
But the support for Obama is not limited to African-Americans in the NBA, as he has garnered support from German born superstar Dirk Nowitski in Dallas, as well as Australian native Andrew Bogut of the Milwaukee Bucks. Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson and Sacramento Kings co-owner Joe Maloof are also amongst those in the league who have proudly supported Obama during his historical trek to the White House.
We often characterize sports as being closely tied to cultural ideology. Some will argue strongly that sports are simply a microcosm of society and as a result, will reveal a good deal about our society. These theories aside, the strong support for President Obama from numerous members of the NBA community indicates a new born political activist type of approach, one generally not attached to, or thought of, when discussing the public persona of professional athletes today.
This stereotypical branding in many cases is derived from the high salaries and lifestyles that are quite often commensurate with professional sports, of which average Americans cannot even begin to fathom. Despite this, I am both impressed and pleased that those in the NBA who share Obama’s vision were quick to step up and support the movement, as their endorsement carries weight and opens doors that have been shut for too long in many states and communities. Doors that need to be kicked in and that will hopefully be opening soon.
Too often, young people look at professional basketball players as idols and attempt to emulate them on the court in hopes of someday obtaining the riches that go hand in hand with a multi-million dollar guaranteed contract. Hopefully for now, they will also realize how their idols have made a statement in their endorsement of this extraordinary man who is now our president, by being heard from in this important time of change.
“…And I could play basketball, with a consuming passion that would always exceed my limited talent…”
— Barack Obama, from his autobiography, Dreams from My Father.
Notes: The Indiana Pacers play home games against the Houston Rockets on Jan. 23 and the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 25. The Rockets feature the enigmatic, yet talented Ron Artest, as well as former Purdue standout Carl Landry.
Charlotte is coached by Hall of Famer and former Pacer coach Larry Brown, who in his typical fashion, has improved the franchise from top to bottom in his first season as head coach.
Tickets for both games are still available at Ticketmaster.com or the Conseco Fieldhouse box office at (317) 917-2727.
Danny Bridges can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
