I so, so wish this would have happened.
The Cavaliers made the traditional White House visit of champions Thursday, and part of that tradition is giving the president a jersey with his name on it. Kevin Love had the honors and handed the jersey over — but not before a little hesitation. Why the slow start?
Because he thought J.R. Smith might head up with him to give the president something less traditional — a T-shirt of all Smith’s tattoos. Via Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Kevin Love said J.R. Smith originally planned to give President Barack Obama T-shirts depicting his tattoos when Love was presenting Obama with a Cavs jersey but the idea was nixed. “J.R had the Fresh Brewed Tees with the tattoos on it, so originally (LeBron James) had mentioned, ‘Kev why don’t you give him the jersey and Swish you hand him the shirts,’” Love said. “I never knew they weren’t going to let Swish do the shirts. When I heard my name called and Bron was like, ‘Kev go hand him the jersey.’ I was like, ‘What about Swish?’ It was fun. I didn’t know I was going to have to say a few words and go up there, but that was one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that I got. Got down there as quick as I could, handed him the jersey and made for a great photo op. It was a cool, organic moment.”
Obama joked during the ceremony he was glad Smith wore a shirt to the White House, “I wasn’t sure if it was going to make an appearance today. I’m glad you came. You’re a very nice shirt.”
I have no idea how Obama would have reacted being handed a shirt of Smith’s ink, but I would have paid to see his face.
