“With that, we should take a picture, but we should make it quick, before one of these guys starts yelling at Mario.”
—President Barack Obama, wrapping up the Miami Heat’s visit to the White House as NBA Champions, via Ethan Skolnik of Bleacher Report.
It’s an annual tradition to have the NBA champion visit the president, give him a jersey (or in this case a signed mock up of the Larry O’Brien trophy), shake hands and make a few jokes. This photo op always feels a little more personal with Obama, who is a basketball fan and had a number of the Heat players in his pick-up games around Washington.
Miami was back at the White House on Tuesday and Obama was cracking jokes to Ray Allen and others. Like the one above about how Heat players are always yelling at Mario Chalmers. Here are a few other lines from the president.
Obama to Allen and the ropes: "Ray, you do know they can read your lips on TV."
— Ethan J. Skolnick, 5 Reasons Sports (@EthanJSkolnick) January 14, 2014
Obama to Battier, on Battioke: "Just leave Al Green to the pros."
— Ethan J. Skolnick, 5 Reasons Sports (@EthanJSkolnick) January 14, 2014