A footballer is taught to scramble, receive and score touchdowns. A basketball player is taught to shoot, rebound and defend the net. As far as strategy goes, both know how to run the yards and dribble down the court. But, are these athletes fit enough to run a state or even a country?
According to the American history books, several leaders had their humble beginnings on the field, on the court, and even in the pool. Before taking office in the White House, Dwight Eisenhower, was a varsity running back and linebacker at West Point. Similarly Gerald Ford was a center and linebacker at the University of Michigan before he moved on and up to the White House in 1974. Ronald Reagan was also a footballer and a swimmer before trading in his helmet and swim trucks for a tie and suit. This historic leader tackled various political issues, first as the governor of California and then as U.S. President between 1981 and 1989.
Other former athletes have either served as governor in their respective state or been elected to the House of Representatives. This would include athletes such as WWE Hall of Famer, Jesse ‘The body’ Ventura, who entered the political ring as the governor of Minnesota in 1998. And Olympian wrestler Matthew ‘The Law’ Lindland who was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2008.
In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected to replace the former Governor of California, Gray Davis. Usually when you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger, a picture of the Terminator and Mr. Freeze comes to mind. However, before making blockbusters movies, Schwarzenegger was lifting weights as a professional bodybuilder. Between 1970 and 1980, Schwarzenegger won several bodybuilding contests including Mr. Olympia seven times. After retiring from bodybuilding, he moved into the world of film, starring in movies such as Conan, Hercules and Batman and Robin. Moving from acting to politics, the Terminator currently serves as California’s 38th governor.
So, who will be next to trade in their sneakers for a fancy suit?
According to CNN (the most trusted name in news) retired professional basketball player, Charles Barkley is running as a candidate for the Governor of Alabama in 2014. The dominating power forward also known as "The Round Mound of Rebound" played for several professional teams in the NBA including the Philadelphia 76ers, the Phoenix suns and the Houston Rockets. During his career on the court, he earned various awards including SEC player of the year and All-star MVP. The only blemish on his NBA career was the spitting incident that occurred in 1991. Barkley accidentally spit on a young girl instead of the courtside heckler who kept yelling racial insults at him during the game. Although Barkley was suspended, fined and vilified for the incident he continued to play until retiring in 2000. Since retirement Barkley has been a commentator and studio analyst for Turner Network Television.
Ultimately, it will be interesting to see if Barkley can make the political dunks to secure the popular vote in Alabama.
Slideshow of former athletes turned politicians:
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24986641
1 comment:
It’s funny, politics as a profession isn’t professionalized. You need a law degree to become a lawyer, a medical degree to become a doctor, a teaching degree to become a teacher; but any Tom, Dick, or Jane can become a politician as long as they have, and can demonstrate leadership skills.
Athletics is known to build such leadership qualities. Organized sports teach individuals to work hard, be disciplined, and become goal oriented. Team sports value the role of leadership, but stress the importance of teamwork. Many individuals with athletic backgrounds go on to become leaders in business, and for the purpose of this discussion politics.
In regards to the latest athlete to potentially turn politician, I think Charles Barkley stands a good chance of getting elected if he were to campaign to become the next Governor of Alabama. I for one think he possesses the sincerity and more importantly the charisma to capture the popular vote. Barkley is known for getting the job done on the court, so maybe he can transfer his skills to the government. He’s been toying with this proposition for months. At the Democratic National Convention he candidly said that even if he ran and won “[He couldn’t] screw up Alabama, [they’re] already ranked 48th, and Arkansas and Mississippi ain’t goin’ nowhere.” I think it would be fun to see Barkley run for Governor, I don’t know how else I am going to entertain myself after the U.S. presidential election is over.
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