Barack Obama has blasted the NBA‘s annual All-Star Game, vowing to not watch the event moving forward due to its seeming lack of competitive fervor.
During an appearance alongside Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton on the Young Man and the Three podcast, the former United States President aired his grievances regarding the NBA All-Star Game, which has drawn increasing criticism in recent years.
According to Obama, concern of players geting injured during the star-studded game are overblown, as many of those same players regularly participate in summer leagues and offseason runs that are intense without being overtly physical.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama attends an exhibition game between Canada and the United States ahead of the Paris Olympic Games at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Canada 86-72.
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“Y’all gotta have a little more pride in that All-Star Game,” the 63-year-old told Haliburton, a two-time All-Star himself.
“It’s not as if you all don’t play pickup during the summers. You know how to play in a way that, ‘Alright, I’m not going to hurt anybody, I’m not going to take anybody out.’ But that All-Star Game, it’s broke, man.”
The avid basketball fan continued, comparing current players’ lack of physical exertion with that of greats from past eras. “Like, people just like not running,” Obama continued. “Everybody just trying all kinds of… it used to be when Kobe and Michael and Isaiah and those guys were playing, man. I mean they weren’t playing the way they did regular season, but they wanted to win.”
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Obama also lamented the perception the All-Star game gives off to casual fans, who may otherwise be inclined to tune into other games during the season, but decide not to. “It insults the game,” the former Senator added.
“This is your business. This is your product. You don’t want people thinking you’re all out there just half-a**ed.” Obama concluded his rant by declaring that he will no longer be watching the NBA All-Star Game if no changes are made in the near future.
“Y’all need to do something because I ain’t watching that thing no more,” the avid basketball fan warned, a sentiment that has been echoed by others regarding the NBA All-Star Game activities as a whole.
Watch Barack Obama’s appearance on The Young Man and The Three podcast below.
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