Explaining he's an "Illinois Guy," Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith revealed he cast an early ballot for Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama. The usually-guarded coach was very open about his backing of Obama and It seems this year's election is a subject many athletes are open to talking about.
Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis' recent Obama comments were not too warmly received in some circles.
Fullback Jason McKie, who grew up in a military family, is one of the more vocal Obama backers in the football locker room.
"I would say this locker room is split," McKie explained, calling the conversations with his teammates after each of the Presidential debates "heated." The normally tight-knit linebacker corp is divided. Jamar Williams is not afraid to campaign in the locker room for Obama, while fellow linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer preaches the Republican viewpoint.
In a locker room with million-dollar athletes, their number one issue of concern comes as no surprise.
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"Taxes," said kicker Robbie Gould, "that's what everyone in this locker room is most concerned with."
But who is going to protect their money is one thing they don't agree on.
"Dusty Dvoracek was a Republican, but he's come over to the other side," Jamar Williams exclaimed. But when queried, Dvoracek would only say, "no comment".
And if you think their voting is based on demographics and how they grew up (poor? wealthy?), it's not necessarily so. Defensive Tackle Tommie Harris said he wants to protect his money, but needs to take care of his family too.
"We have enough money, we have to protect our families now," then added with a laugh that, by voting with the Democrats, maybe his family won't be asking him for money anymore!
