Bleacher Report - Articles by Brad Ryan

Presidential Candidates on Sports

Brad Ryan — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 13:00:38 -0400

Unless you have lived in a shack with no electricity for the past six months, there is a good chance you have been bombarded with political news. The "most important election of our lifetime" is coming around the corner in November. America has heard all about Obama and McCain's views on hot button topics like economy, foreign policy, and taxes.

What haven't we heard much about between the two candidates? Sports. Let us take a look into their favorite teams and views on sports.

Major League Baseball

Obama's favorite team: White Sox

Being a White Sox fan can't settle well with Cubs nation, and he may lose a few votes after saying this to ESPN: "You go to Wrigley Field, you have a beer, beautiful people up there. People aren't watching the game. It's not serious. White Sox, that's baseball."

McCain's favorite team: Diamondbacks

It seems as if McCain is a hardcore fan. He told Diamondbacks CEO Moorad that he receives pitch-by-pitch reports on his phone. Now that his beloved D-backs are out of the pennant race, who is he cheering for? "I still kinda like the Red Sox," McCain said on MSNBC. "I have a sentimental favorite. Look, I think they're going to do well now that my Diamondbacks have blown it."

National Football League

Obama's favorite team: Bears

Obama doesn't shy away from Chicago for his favorite teams. He said this to the people of Boston after getting booed when announcing his favorite team: "You don't want somebody who pretends to be a Red Sox fan as president of the United States. You want somebody who is a principled sports fan. Even when his team is losing, he still stands up for them."

Obama was able to take advantage of the 12.7 million viewers tuning into a Monday Night Football game last year between the Rams and Bears. It's hard not to laugh at it. Watch the YouTube video here.

McCain's favorite teams: Cardinals, Steelers, or Packers

When McCain was being tortured as a P.O.W., he was told to tell the names of the men in his squadron. McCain flip-flops on the story, and the media has jumped all over him for it.

While campaigning in Pittsburgh, he says he recited the 1967 starting defensive line of the Steelers. But in his book, Faith of My Fathers, the Senator claims to have said the Packers D-line.

National Basketball League

Obama's favorite team: Bulls

Chances are you have been able to see Obama's mad basketball skills. If not, check it out on HBO's Real Sports here.

Obama also surprised us with his White House remodeling plans by saying, "I hear there's a bowling alley and obviously that hasn't gone too well," Obama said to Jimmy Kimmel. "So we're getting rid of the bowling alley and replacing it with a basketball court in the White House."

McCain's favorite team: Suns

Maybe his favorite team has something to do with the Suns owner Jerry Colangelo donating $2,600 dollars to his campaign. Or more than likely, it's because he is from Arizona.

When it comes to basketball, McCain's expertise lies in NCAA brackets. Last year he picked out every Final Four team in his article—keep in mind, all four teams were No. 1 seeds.

Let Us Discuss

Use the comments to discuss the relation between sports and politics.

Thierry Henry: Welcome to Miami

Brad Ryan — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:11:05 -0400

It's no secret that Thierry Henry is on his way out of Barcelona. So what's next for the 31-year-old Frenchman?

Major League Soccer.

During an interview with the New York Times Thierry said:

"I always say that one day I can play over there. I would too. But it's still early. Don't get me wrong, I just love the U.S. I don't know why. I love the way you live. I love American sports. For me, its a dream to go to training and then see a game of football, basketball, whatever game."

The Seattle Sounders seem to be the front runner for Henry, but don't be misled. Its very unlikely that Henry will go to Seattle. Major League Soccer's newest team is simply trying to get people talking about them.

Where is Henry actually going? Well, he should return his raincoat and buy some sunscreen. The big man is going to Miami.

That's right: Miami.

FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta has traveled to Miami to meet with the USL team, Miami FC. Bringing a Major League Soccer team back to the culture-rich city of Miami is close to becoming a reality.

This is where Thierry Henry fits in perfectly. He doesn't have to leave the Barcelona organization, and he will be able to produce Beckham-like numbers. Don't be surprised if you see Henry at the next Miami Dolphins game.

Kimbo Slice: Knock Out or Nut Shot?

Brad Ryan — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 19:12:03 -0400

Tonights fight between Kimbo Slice and Seth Petruzelli ended in a MMA record 14 seconds.

To watch the fight, visit this YouTube post.

Let me start off by saying: I don't claim to be an MMA expert by any means. But to the naked eye, It looks as if Petruzelli landed a solid nut shot on Kimbo.

Kimbo looked as if he was in control during the first 10 seconds, backing Petruzelli in to the wall. The fight took a drastic turn when Petruzelli landed a kick to what I believe was the groin area of Kimbo. After receiving the blow, Kimbo falls forward, just like the average man would after getting kicked in the nuts.

I know Kimbo Slice is vastly overrated, but 14 seconds against a fill-in fighter? That's just nuts!