Jordan, NBA players to raise money for Obama
by KEN THOMAS,Associated Press
Aug 07, 2012 | 836 views | 1 1 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print
FILE - Sept. 9, 2011 image of President Barack Obama (AP Photo/Eva Russo - Richmond Times Dispatch)
FILE - Sept. 9, 2011 image of President Barack Obama (AP Photo/Eva Russo - Richmond Times Dispatch)
slideshow
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is joining NBA legend Michael Jordan and an array of basketball stars to raise money for his re-election campaign later this month.

The Obama campaign is planning a fundraising "shoot-around" and dinner in New York on Aug. 22 featuring several NBA stars, including Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics, John Wall of the Washington Wizards and others. Jordan, who played for the Chicago Bulls, Obama's favorite NBA team, and NBA Commissioner David Stern are co-hosting a $20,000-per person fundraising dinner with the president later in the day.

Obama is a longtime basketball fan who regularly plays pickup games with friends and aides. His campaign held a fundraiser last February at the Orlando-area home of NBA player Vince Carter, who is also involved in the New York events.

The campaign is holding a "shoot-around" with players at New York's Chelsea Piers sports complex, including Anthony, Rondo, Wall, Paul Pierce, Kyrie Irving, Joe Johnson and former NBA centers Patrick Ewing and Alonzo Mourning. WNBA stars Sheryl Swoopes and Dawn Staley are also participating in the event, which will cost $5,000 for a parent and child or two people to have a "shoot-around skills session" with the players. A $250 donation provides an autograph session with the players.

Obama's campaign plans to raffle off the chance for grass-roots supporters to attend the events.

A similar "Obama Classic" basketball event planned for last December was postponed after team owners and players reached a labor deal following a lockout.
Comments
(1)
Comments-icon Post a Comment
FormerRoman
|
August 07, 2012
That's a fine cast of characters..

Jordan was a Great player, but he's a poor businessman-His team this year was the worst in NBA history..

John Wall and Rajon Rondo-One attended College for a year and the other took the prep school route after high school..Kyrie Irving-one year of school.

Had a chuckle on that "raffle for his grassroots supporters" line...

Leave your weapons with the secret service Boyz!
Postings are not edited and are the responsibility of the author. You agree not to post comments that are abusive, threatening or obscene. Postings may be removed at our discretion.