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Former United States President Barack Obama has addressed the speculation involving him being linked to a group interested in buying the Phoenix Suns. The Western Conference team was listed as being available on the market after the NBA suspended its owner Robert Sarver for misconduct at the workplace.
Speaking in Phoenix on Wednesday night, Obama addressed the rumors head on:
“I wanted to come out here not only because it's sunny and warm, but also, you know, there have been a lot of these rumors about me and the Phoenix Suns.
"I didn’t know I was in the market and by the way neither did Michelle. But I will say this: The Suns are looking pretty good. I got to admit that. I think they have a few more wings than my Chicago Bulls right now.”
Obama addressed the gathering on the matter in light of a recent conversation on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” when host Simmons told former Phoenix Suns star and NBA legend Charles Barkley:
“I’m probably breaking some news here, but I heard Obama’s involved in one of the groups. And that’s the one guy that I feel like they would make him the actual face of the group, and the money guys would be so happy.”
Charles Barkley admits to being excited to be part of Barack Obama-led ownership group if opportunity arises
Barack Obama is a huge basketball fan. He often sat courtside at NBA games even before he became president of the USA. In his final year as President, he awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan.
Obama would not be the first U.S. president to have a stake in a pro sports franchise if he were to be part of the ownership structure on an NBA team. George W. Bush was previously a part-owner of the Texas Rangers from 1989 to 1998.
Before Bush, Donald Trump owned the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League in the early 1980s. Trump’s reign as a pro sports team owner was short-lived as the USFL folded in 1986.
However, Barack Obama's case would be different from Bush and Trump. The latter two gentlemen became presidents after being involved with sports franchises. Obama would become part owner after he has already served his country as the 44th President of the USA.
Charles Barkley, however, would be most happy if Barack Obama was part of the ownership structure of the Phoenix Suns. Barkley played for the Suns for four seasons between 1992 and 1996. He had his only MVP season with Phoenix in 1992-93, the same season where he led the Suns to their second NBA Finals appearance. He told Simmons:
“If Obama called me, hell yeah I’m buying in. I got so much love and admiration for that guy.”
According to reports, the Phoenix Suns are expected to sell for $4 billion or perhaps even more by the time bidding is done.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
