LITTLE ROCK — Obama rules are observed
Former Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen (Hamburg, Central Arkansas) says President Barack Obama has a “smooth game” on the basketball court.
Pippen played an election day game with Obama on Chicago’s West Side and described the experience in a story on the Chicago Bulls website. Pippen played on Obama’s team along with former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and two others in a game complete with referees and a running clock.
Pippen and Obama’s team won.
“He’s not an overly aggressive player, but he takes what the defense gives him,” Pippen said.
“He’s got a smooth game. He probably used to be a little more aggressive, but obviously he doesn’t want to get hurt.”
It was the first time Pippen met the president, and he described Obama as very approachable.
“I thought the lanes opened up when Michael Jordan used to drive,” Pippen said, laughing. “I used to be like, wow. But when I saw the president drive, I thought they were bringing the whole motorcade through the lane it was so wide.”
Pippen was a member of six Chicago Bulls championship teams. He is now a senior advisory to Chicago Bulls President and COO Michael Reinsdorf.
Pippen called the game a special experience.
“It was very enjoyable forme and something I’ll always remember,” Pippen said. “I got to see the president in a relaxed atmosphere - no suit, just one of the guys. It’s a story I can tell my kids and have them look back on.” Spurious claim
South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier said last week that topranked Alabama could “beat a couple of those NFL teams that I’ve watched on Sundays.”
“In defense of those NFL teams,” wrote Reggie Hayes of theNews-Sentinel of Fort Wayne, Ind., “they might be at a disadvantage since Alabama doesn’t have a salary cap.” Dunk this
For the first time in NBA All-Star history, the ballot positions listed won’t include any centers.
Wrote Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “Sounds like a perfect endorsement deal for Dunkin’ Donuts.” Rex rated
A poll of 103 NFL players in The Sporting News had the New York Jets’ Rex Ryan rated as the league’s most overrated coach.
New England’s Bill Belichick came in second.
“My first thought was I looked and saw who was second,” Ryan said when asked about the poll.
“Hey, I finally beat Belichick. I got him. I knew it would take time, but I finally got him.”
The Jets have yet to beat out the Patriots in the AFC East race since Ryan joined them in 2009, although New York has a playoff victory over New England.
“I wasn’t offended by it,” Ryan said. “At the end of the year, we’ll see who’s overrated.”
We’ll also see who still has a job.Quote of the day
“Coach Royal was a
class, class act all the
way. He was someone that everyone at
Arkansas always had the utmost respect for as an opponent.” Former Arkansas defensive lineman Loyd Phillips
Sports, Pages 26 on 11/08/2012