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Pro athletes get in the political game
South Florida Sun-Sentinel ^ | 10/29/04 | Kristen Haunss

Posted on 10/28/2004 9:37:36 PM PDT by nypokerface

Rob Konrad said that if he were president he would, "make it illegal to become a Democrat," although the Dolphins fullback wasn't quite sure that would be constitutional. For now, though, he'll settle for the re-election of George W. Bush.

As would teammate guard Taylor Whitley, who voted last week after waiting an hour and a half. Although he is mum about his choice, with a smile he said, "Considering I'm from Texas, you can probably figure it out."

Whitley said he likes to get his teammates talking about politics, although he doesn't try to influence anyone's vote.

"I don't care how you think, one way or another, just as long as you can back up what you think and you think that way for some sort of reason that makes sense to you," he said. "I don't try to sway people one way or another, I just try to get them thinking a bit."

(Excerpt) Read more at sun-sentinel.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: athletes

1 posted on 10/28/2004 9:37:37 PM PDT by nypokerface
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To: nypokerface

It's too bad the Dolphins suck bad this year.


2 posted on 10/28/2004 9:40:10 PM PDT by rightgrafix
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To: nypokerface

"make it illegal to become a Democrat,"


We can dream.


3 posted on 10/28/2004 9:41:46 PM PDT by rightgrafix
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To: nypokerface
"Rob Konrad said that if he were president he would, "make it illegal to become a Democrat," although the Dolphins fullback wasn't quite sure that would be constitutional."

Actually, I can't imagine why it would be unconstitutional to ban the party of treason. Of course, there are other reasons to ban the RAT party, like racism, fraud, and money laundering, but treason seems good enough for me.

4 posted on 10/28/2004 9:41:52 PM PDT by Enterprise (The left hates the Constitution. Islamic Fascism hates America. Natural allies.)
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To: rightgrafix

Not half as bad as a Kerry Presidency. Go Fish.


5 posted on 10/28/2004 9:42:46 PM PDT by Callahan
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To: rightgrafix

We don't suck...we have had a host of bad luck this whole offseason that has put us in this situation.

Remember that we were a 10-6 team last year and ADDED talent this year....Injuries and a nutcase Running back are our problems.

We don't suck...watch your mouth.


6 posted on 10/28/2004 9:52:14 PM PDT by Bushite
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To: nypokerface

You can add almost-NL home run champ (strikeout chanp, too) Adam Dunn of the Cincinnati Reds to the Bush camp. He is a Texas guy.


7 posted on 10/28/2004 9:53:16 PM PDT by ConservativeStatement
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To: MassRepublicanFlyersFan

President Bush was introduced in Yardley, PA tonight by Chad Lewis, extremely popular player for the extremely popular Eagles.


8 posted on 10/28/2004 9:59:58 PM PDT by Dems_R_Losers (Proud Reagan Alumna!)
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To: Bushite

As a Saints fan I was heartbroken when they traded Ricky Williams. Right now I am building an alter to Saints management !!!


9 posted on 10/28/2004 10:09:12 PM PDT by USAFJeeper
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To: nypokerface

You can also add Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, who ended his interview on ABC this morning with a great endorsement of Bush.


10 posted on 10/28/2004 10:10:52 PM PDT by Ryan Spock
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To: nypokerface
...and from the Tennessee Titans

President Bush shakes hands with Jason Mathews (Tennessee Titans)

President Bush, center, receives a Tennessee Titans jersey from Titans player Jason Mathews, left, as he arrives in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, May 27, 2004. (AP Photo)

Titans player meets President Bush in Nashville

By Kyle Payne

Titans Online

NASHVILLE, TN, May 27, 2004 -- Titans offensive tackle Jason Mathews received the chance of a lifetime on Thursday.

President George W. Bush was in town for a visit and a discussion about his innovative ideas for health care. It marked the ninth time that Bush has visited Tennessee during his presidency, and as it is each time he visits, the talk around town was of his appearance.

For those who are lucky enough to see the President of the United States in person, and for the even more privileged who are able to meet him, it serves as a lifelong memory.

Mathews was able to secure one of those rare moments during Bush’s visit on Thursday.

Mathews was one of the lucky, and very few, who greeted the president when he stepped off of Air Force One today in Nashville. Mathews presented Bush with a personalized Titans jersey with his name stitched across the back, and was able to have a brief exchange with the president.

“You’re the Texas boy,” Bush asked Mathews.

“Yes sir,” Mathews said. “I went to Texas A&M.”

“You know my dad’s library is down there,” the president responded.

“Yes sir, I have been through it many times,” Mathews said.

“I told him the Titans were supporters and I gave him the jersey,” Mathews said after meeting Bush. “I told him that I appreciate your leadership and your faith, and I told him thank you for making our country safer.”

Mathews knows that his time with the president will be something he remembers for the rest of his life.

“It is the highest individual honor that I have received,” Mathews said. “No matter what happens, my kids and their kids will have a picture of their grandfather with the President of the United States. It was an adrenaline rush just to get to meet him.”

Mathews is a large supporter of the United States military. He helped organize a trip for himself and his Titans offensive line teammates to visit soldiers in Fort Campbell in April.

When he found out the president would be in town he told Titans Director of Media Relations Robbie Bohren that he would love to get the chance to be a part of the president’s Nashville visit in some way. In just 24 hours, thanks to a network of contacts, Mathews got more than he could have ever imagined.

Bohren told Titans VP of Community Relations Bob Hyde of Mathews’ wish, and Hyde contacted Sen. Bill Frist’s staff about the possibility of Mathews attending a function or possibly even meeting Bush.

“They called into the White House,” Hyde said. “Fifteen minutes later they called back and needed Jason’s name and his social security number.”

The necessary information was collected and turned in. Then came news that Mathews would be receiving a call from the White House concerning his duties.

“They told us that Jason would get the call,” Hyde said. “I knew then that I better call him because I didn’t want him to think it was a joke.”

It was a good thing that Mathews was told in advance he would be getting a call from Washington.

“I would have thought Steve Watterson (Titans Strength and Conditioning Coach) or somebody was playing a joke one me,” Mathews said laughing. “If Bob wouldn’t have given me that heads up I probably would have laughed at somebody.”

Mathews was informed that he would be able to meet the president and be one of the select few to greet him on the tarmac. But upon his arrival just before noon on Thursday, Mathews found himself in the middle of many others.

“It’s strange enough to meet the president,” Mathews said. “But all of a sudden the governor walks in and Sen. Frist walks in, so it was like a kid in a candy store for me. I met them and talked with them for about 15 or 20 minutes.”

Mathews noted that seeing the way Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, a democrat, reacted to Bush’s visit should make people realize how much respect a president demands.

“Seeing Gov. Bredesen there today and knowing that he is a democrat, he was very respectful,” Mathews said. “It is important that we hold the Commander-in-Chief at a higher level and no matter which party he is, he is the commander of our country and we should be proud of him and respect him.”

11 posted on 10/28/2004 10:13:49 PM PDT by dj_animal_2000
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To: dj_animal_2000

I love it!


12 posted on 10/28/2004 10:26:37 PM PDT by RockinRight (Bush's rallies look like World Series games. Kerry's rallies look like Little League games.)
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To: nypokerface
I think most athletes (except MAYBE basketball) are republican because of the mindset they have.

Hard work, no excuses, teamwork, winning and losing(no gray area).

Athletics was one of my biggest influences in life, and I wasn't even a pro.

13 posted on 10/28/2004 10:28:47 PM PDT by Dan from Michigan ("Dead or alive, I got a .45 - and I never miss!!!" - AC/DC - Problem Child)
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To: dj_animal_2000

Oh man Matthews is huuuuge. Heck Bush is 5'11!


14 posted on 10/28/2004 10:31:09 PM PDT by GeorgeBerryman
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To: Bushite
I meant no offense...just stating the truth. I'm a Dolphins fan too!
15 posted on 10/28/2004 10:58:11 PM PDT by rightgrafix
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To: Bushite

guys were good enough to whup up on my rams. ouch.


16 posted on 10/29/2004 6:28:46 AM PDT by 537cant be wrong (the lib turneraitor)
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To: All

I would like to pint out to all that these guys are all Pubs...

John Elway
Dan Marino
Jim Kelly
Tom Brady
Peyton Manning
Troy Aikman
Brett Favre


hehehehehehe


17 posted on 10/29/2004 7:22:36 AM PDT by Bushite
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To: rightgrafix

If you are a Dolphins fan then you would have known the calamity that this off season was for the Fins...and of course the injuries...I can't remember a team with worst luck.


18 posted on 10/29/2004 7:24:04 AM PDT by Bushite
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