Happy Birthday, President Obama: His Best Sports Moments
The story about President Obama staying aboard Air Force One to watch the waning minutes of Game 7 of the NBA Finals this past June should tell you what a big sports fan our commander in chief is.
So, on this his 55th birthday, BET.com decided to look back on his best sports moments. And there have been plenty through the years.
The Time He Demanded J.R. Smith Put on a Shirt
Fresh off of the Cleveland Cavaliers winning the NBA Finals in dramatic fashion, J.R. Smith was seen shirtless and celebrating wildly for days. In his congratulatory phone call to Cavs coach Tyronn Lue, President Obama didn't hesitate to make a hilarious request.
"Tell J.R. and everybody to put on a shirt, though," Obama told Lue. "You can't be just walking around without a shirt, though."
Peep the moment below.
Obama's Deflategate Jab at the Patriots
The president couldn't let an opportunity to hit the New England Patriots with a Deflategate joke slide when the team visited the White House in April 2015 to celebrate their 2015 Super Bowl.
Lean in.
Selfies With Big Papi
The commander in chief put his affinity for his hometown Chicago White Sox aside to flick it up with David Ortiz of the 2013 World Series champion Boston Red Sox in the spring of 2014.
Obama Refused to Learn Ray Lewis's Dance
“Want to do my dance?” then-Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis asked the president in June 2013 following their Super Bowl win.
Obama's curved response: “No, I’m not doing that dance."
Consider that a presidential pardon, Ray.
Dragging LeBron James and Dwyane Wade for Yelling at Mario Chalmers
If you paid close attention to the Miami Heat's back-to-back NBA titles in 2012-13, you know that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were extra tough on guard Mario Chalmers.
Well, the president picked up on that and had Chalmers's back at King James and D. Wade's expense.
He Can Even Joke About Greatness
When UConn's women's basketball team won the championship this past April, it marked Huskies' coach Geno Auriemma's fourth straight NCAA title and 11th overall.
That led to President Obama saying that Geno had spent more time in the White House than some presidents, referring to how many trips that Auriemma led the Huskies on to be honored following a national title win.
Salty About Congratulating the Packers
With his Chi-town pride in full effect, our president joked that the Green Bay Packers simply came to visit him in the White House to "rub it in" over their 2011 Super Bowl win. Of course, he's referring to being a die-hard Chicago Bears fan and the Bears playing in the same division as the Pack.
The Dap Heard Around the World
President Obama offered up two different handshakes when visiting the Team USA basketball squad, including Kevin Durant.
Is Obama not the coolest president of all time?
Taking Pickup Hoops Seriously
President Obama's basketball game is as smooth as his speeches. Mean moves on the hardwood, Barack. We see you.
Repping for His Bulls
It didn't matter that Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers were in the White House following their 2010 NBA Finals win.
President Obama had to remind them that Kobe and Lakers under coach Phil Jackson were still one ring away from the Jackson-led Chicago Bulls, which won six rings with Michael Jordan.
Peep the Black Mamba's response, though.
Defeating Clark Kellogg in Horse
Obama is just too nice with that left-handed jumper. Former NBA player and All-American Clark Kellogg found that out in a game of Horse at the White House. Actually, they put a spin on the classic hoops game back in April 2010, making it a game of POTUS. Fitting.
Always Down for March Madness
Year after year, the commander in chief would invite ESPN into the White House to fill out his bracket for the NCAA Tournament.
Channeling Kobe Bryant's Retirement Speech
The commander in chief dropped the mic on 'em, declaring, "Obama Out," much like Kobe Bryant did during his final game in April, before retiring.
Now, that's how you end your final White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Happy birthday, President Obama!
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