Pat Riley Is Ready to Go to War

When the President of the United States meets championship teams at the White House, we all know what to expect going in: handshakes; a jersey for the commander in chief; some terrible jokes (usually something about Texas); forced laughter; and some photos.

Unless someone like Craig Hodges decides to hand a letter seeking activism in fighting injustices against black people to the President (as he did when the Chicago Bulls made their visit in 1992), it's very rare that anything interesting takes place on the occasion. Fortunately, today was one of those days.

The Miami Heat made the traditional trip to Washington this afternoon, and were honored for the title they won last season. Head coach Pat Riley took the bait from the White House press corps and decided to get political:

"On behalf of the Miami Heat we are honored to be here at the White House today with Mr. President Bush," Riley said. "I am proud to be here today. I voted for the man. If you don't vote, you don't count...."

Then he gave President Bush the jersey, and the president said "Thank you for your vote" as they shook hands.

And this was before he was asked about the war in Iraq.

"I'm pro-American, pro-democracy. I'm pro-government. I follow my boss. He's my boss, that's the way it goes."

"If [Bush] asked me to go today, I'd go," Riley continued. "That's about it."

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. Pat Riley is ready for war. The Miami Heat, unfortunately, don't appear to be.