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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Sports World Full of Obama Fans

Usually politically quiet, sports stars come out in favor of new prez

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(Newser) – Barack Obama's powers of inspiration and unification reach beyond the political world: "All around the country, athletes responded to the new president," Gwen Knapp writes for the San Francisco Chronicle. The inauguration sparked tears from big men who take physical punishment for a living, and Obama's rise has drawn out a group that holds political neutrality dear.

Athletes generally avoid topics that might drive wedges between teammates, but many sported Obama gear and attended inaugural events—even apolitical Tiger Woods showed up on the Mall. And some who never hid their political beliefs are celebrating as well: Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the runners whose defiantly raised fists became the enduring image of the 1968 Olympics, wept with joy.

Tommie Smith and John Carlos stare downward during the playing of the
Tommie Smith and John Carlos stare downward during the playing of the "Star-Spangled Banner" after Smith received the gold and Carlos the bronze for the 200 meters in Mexico City on Oct. 16, 1968.   (AP Photo/File)
Former San Francisco 49ers Roger Craig, right, hugs Dwight Clark before a memorial service for coach Bill Walsh on Aug. 9, 2007. Walsh didn't want them discussing politics in the locker room.
Former San Francisco 49ers Roger Craig, right, hugs Dwight Clark before a memorial service for coach Bill Walsh on Aug. 9, 2007. Walsh didn't want them discussing politics in the locker room.   (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
President-elect Barack Obama, left, greets Tiger Woods during the
President-elect Barack Obama, left, greets Tiger Woods during the "We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial" in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009.   (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen attended Obama's inauguration in Washington; his teammates requested a change in their flight schedule so they could watch the events live.
Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen attended Obama's inauguration in Washington; his teammates requested a change in their flight schedule so they could watch the events live.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Boxing promoter Don King holds up his flags before the inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Boxing promoter Don King holds up his flags before the inauguration ceremony at the US Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)
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NBA players and coaches discuss the impact of Barack Obama's election.   (aznpowerdaniel)

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I'm more enamored with Barack Obama the man than I am with the historic value of him being the first black president, though I'm keenly aware of its importance. - Keena Turner, a former 49ers player who attended an inaugural celebration of Bay Area athletes

We picked our quarterback, and now we're in training camp, and we all have to get behind him. - Dwight Clark, a 49ers player who voted for John McCain but attended an inaugural party for Bay Area athletes

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A great day for black athletes
Reuters

... and a great opportunity: Blackistone
AOL Sports

The Chicago sports world reacts to Obama
Chicago Sun-Times

Steelers give game ball to First Fan
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Nets take a politics break
New York Daily News


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Barack Obama • sports • Tiger Woods • Ray Allen • inauguration • professional athletes • US Olympic athletes • John Carlos • Tommie Smith

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