Obama's Intervention

Is the Oval Office Ruining Sports?

Last night, President Barack Obama threw the first pitch of the MLB All-Star Game. This ceremony is a very common occurrence: JFK threw in a Red Sox Game, Jimmy Carter in a Braves Game, George W. Bush in a Rangers game, and the entire Clinton family in three separate games. The difference between Obama and the past leaders of this nation is that Obama just LOVES sports. We’ve seen him at numerous Washington Wizards games, talking about changing the college bowl format, and predicting the winners of March Madness, the NBA finals, and the Superbowl.


It’s great having a president who shows a trait common to most Americans. On the other hand, I would like President Obama to keep his predictions to himself. The president is 3-0 when predicting the winner in major sporting events. He guessed that the University of North Carolina would once again be on top of college basketball, the Steelers would drink out of the Superbowl again, and that Kobe would finally get his fourth ring.

Is it just me, or do President Obama’s words have some kind of power?

Maybe Obama's words trigger a behind-the-scenes deal among sports owners in order for him to be right? I hate it when I used to watch playoffs of any sport (be it baseball, basketball, or hockey), and my parents would always say that the playoffs are rigged to go into a game six or seven. I guess that it could be a slight possibility: professional sports are a business, and the more games played mean more money.

On the other hand, I doubt that if any athlete would put his or her body and pride on the line just so some already rich executives can rake in even more cash.

Do not get me wrong, I love Barack Obama. His correct predictions could be just coincidence, or his words could motivate these teams to perform better. Also, one could argue that Obama just picked the favorites this year and they all came through.

But just for future reference Mr. President, please keep your thoughts to yourself. I do not want to live in a world of sports where there are no Cinderellas.