President Barack Obama loves hoops and he’s got the high-profile NBA support to prove it. But what about cold hard cash?
HoopsHype.com compiled a list of NBA owners, coaches and players who have contributed to political campaigns this election cycle — and the president’s GOP rival Mitt Romney wins.
TheGrio: How the NBA has embraced President Obama
NBA owners have overwhelmingly given to Romney, who has collected more than $70,000 in donations, mostly from NBA owners and executives Michael Gearon, (Atlanta Hawks) Daryl Morey, (Houston Rockets) Pat Riley (Miami Heat) and Herb Simon (Indiana Pacers). (Nearly $40,000 combined) Obama has raised close to that, at $67,750.
TheGrio: Michael Jordan, NBA players to raise money for Obama
President Obama is planning a fundraising ‘Classic,’ where NBA legends Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing will participate, along with other NBA superstars. Most of the president’s support listed on HoopsHype’ report came from NBA players and coaches. Vince Carter, Grant Hill and Baron Davis gave a combined $15,000. Coaches who donated to Obama include the Spurs’ Gregg Popovich and the Celtics’ Doc Rivers.
Obama Campaign press secretary Jen Psaki would not answer affirmatively whether the president plans to participate in any of the hoops action, according to the Weekly Standard.
Other players who are scheduled to attend include Alonzo Mourning, Penny Hardaway, Kyrie Irving, Carmelo Anthony and John Wall.
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