Read the debate intro and the arguments from Sports Geek and Loyal Homer about whether or not President Barack Obama should invite the Boise State Broncos to the White House Rose Garden.
There are times and situations when the sporting world may go astray. When those situations arise, it is the responsibility of the government to step in and ensure that the industry falls back in the lines of fair play and fair business.
In the argument of whether or not President Barack Obama should invite Boise State to the White House, I am awarding the verdict to Sports Geek, because this is NOT one of those situations.
I do not mean to stray into the world of political debate, but as Sports Geek points out, there are other MORE IMPORTANT things that the president should be spending his time and focus on. Even Loyal Homer acknowledges that this situation has absolutely nothing to do with politics.
President Obama is no longer on the campaign trail, where he has the luxury of trumpeting sensational promises and pledges. Instead, he is deeply entrenched in the role and responsibility of running this nation. The president’s job is not to play Bono with statements that feign political involvement when they are really nothing more than celebrity endorsements. Sure, it would send a message that the President does not like the BCS, but the President has already made that statement. There is simply nothing else to be gained if the President were to invite Boise State to the White House. Instead, it would only ADD controversy.
President Obama’s opinions are clear. As Loyal Homer discussed, President Obama is most certainly a fan of sports. Whether filling out brackets or sitting courtside for a Wizards’ game, he is undeniably entertained, as we all are, by the thrill of competition. Just like the “average” sports fan, President Obama would like to see sporting events play out in a way that enhances competition and maximizes the excitement of each play, and there is nothing wrong with that. He should not, however, use his position of power to promote his own personal wishes. Manufacturing a controversy just for the sake of trying to prove a point is a serious misuse of the presidency.
I know, inviting two teams to the White House is very minor on the scale of presidential infractions that could be (or have been) committed. Nonetheless, there are more important issues that President Obama should address right now, and he is right to honor tradition in this case.
By the way, has anyone thought about the potential insult this would be to the Crimson Tide? After finishing the season undefeated, INCLUDING victories over Florida and Texas (two of the best teams in the nation), it would be a slap in the face of that outstanding team, which IS recognized as the national champions (like it or not). They worked hard all year, beat the best that NCAA football had to offer, and now Senator Hatch is asking the President to treat them as though their championship is illegitimate, all for the purpose of furthering a political agenda item. It is not fair to the Crimson Tide, who did nothing more than excel at every task thrown their way.
There is a time to take a stand, but this is not it. While praise and congratulations are due to Boise State for successfully accomplishing a rare feat, the President is right to let the Crimson Tide enjoy the reward for their hard work, and their deserved recognition as the rightful national champion.
