PRESIDENT OBAMA on Tuesday awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 21 recipients, including Hornets Owner MICHAEL JORDAN, who Obama lauded for his "legendary skills on the court," according to Javaria Khan of MCCLATCHY. Obama said that Jordan was "so good that he became an icon of excellence." Obama: "He is more than just a logo, more than just an internet meme." Jordan "teared up at times during the ceremony" (MCCLATCHY 11/23). Obama also referred to Jordan as "the guy from 'Space Jam'" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 11/22). Other sports luminaries honored included Basketball HOFer KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR and recently retired Dodgers broadcaster VIN SCULLY, who "teared up as Obama wrapped the medal around his neck and shook his hand in congratulations." Obama said, "The game of baseball has a handful of signature sounds -- you hear the crack of the bat, you've got the crowd singing in the seventh-inning stretch and you've got the voice of Vin Scully" (MLB.com, 11/22). ESPN.com's J.A. Adande noted by awarding two basketball players the award, it was the "final salute to the sport from an administration that has embraced it more than any other White House occupant." However, it "wasn't just their athletic accomplishments alone that led them to that stage in the White House." Obama said, "The reason we honor Kareem is more than just a pair of goggles and a skyhook. He stood up for his Muslim faith when it wasn't easy, and it wasn't popular" (ESPN.com, 11/22).
