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Sports World Full of Obama Fans

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

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 21, 2009 12:28 PM CST

(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.

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[Videos (1)]

[Quotes (2)]

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. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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. (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. (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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Sports World Full of Obama Fans