AWK-ward.
On Tuesday morning, President Obama was delighted to treat the press to the courageous tale of his phone call to newly out and proud NBA player Jason Collins. And then this happened:
"I'm 7 foot tall and can bang with Shaq" – Obama perhaps interesting verbiage as he channels Jason Collins.
— Patricia Zengerle (@ReutersZengerle) April 30, 2013
Yes, he did.
Given the importance of sports in our society, for an individual who’s excelled at the highest levels in one of the major sports to go ahead and say, “This is who I am. I’m proud of it. I’m still a great competitor. I’m still 7 foot tall and can bang with Shaq and, you know, deliver a hard foul” — for a lot of young people out there who are gay or lesbian who are struggling with these issues to see a role model like that who’s unafraid, I think it’s a great thing.
https://twitter.com/AdamTragone/statuses/329257456033222657
Watch here:
@fran_chambers Bang. Basketball term.
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) April 30, 2013
OK, but perhaps — just perhaps — the greatest orator ever to walk the earth could have selected a different phrase for this situation?
http://twitter.com/fran_chambers/statuses/329258197196091394
"@President Obama says he’s proud of Jason Collins, who can still say “I’m still 7-foot tall and can bang with Shaq." pun intended?
— ¢ha¢hi (@heyyychachi) April 30, 2013
Recommended
Pun intended? We’re guessing not so much.
Awkward word choice for the Prez today. | President Obama says gay NBA player can still “bang with Shaq” http://t.co/rIvlC65nOo
— Kelsey Balensifer (@kbalensifer) April 30, 2013
https://twitter.com/benjgott/status/329262678113648641
http://twitter.com/SalenaZitoTrib/statuses/329259292697952257
Questionable verbiage RT “@darrenrovell: President Obama says he’s proud of Jason Collins, "I’m still 7-foot tall and can bang with Shaq.””
— The Vac (@VinnyVac) April 30, 2013
Poor choice of words RT“@darrenrovell: Obama says he’s proud of JasonCollins, who can still say “I’m still 7' tall and can bang with Shaq””
— Kevin (@NamesKev) April 30, 2013
https://twitter.com/redsteeze/status/329270163365040129
Oh, and for the record:
https://twitter.com/seanmdav/status/329260725694496770
https://twitter.com/seanmdav/status/329261374565933059
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