An Olympic Record For Hugs

            

If you watched the end of the United States vs. France basketball game yesterday, you saw first lady, Michelle Obama, give a little love to all the players on the team in the form of a hug (apparently she is a big fan of Kobe Bryant, not so much with Tyson Chandler). Since it was so well received, Team USA has planned for the team to be greeted by someone at the end of every Olympic game. Below is the list from Team USA.

Tunisia- Charlie the Tuna

After the United States handedly beats Tunisia, Team USA is excited to get their hugs. They had planned for the team to meet Charlie the Tuna since they didn’t know anything about Tunisia (seriously, who does?). Unfortunately, on his way to the stadium, Charlie hits his head and forgets everything, developing amnesia. Sad they couldn’t meet him, seeing as he has a case of Tun-esia.  






Nigeria- Nigerian President’s son

After the game verses Nigeria, the team is set to meet the President of Nigeria’s son. The players are told who he is and Russell Westbrook says “Whoa, a Nigerian Prince? I’m not falling for that again! I was supposed to give them $100 and they were supposed to give me $10000 and I’m STILL waiting for that money! “After Russ gives his impassioned speech, the players follow behind him and leave the bewildered boy on the side lines, not wanting to be scammed themselves. 


 

Lithuania – Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius

Andrius Kubilius, Prime Minister of Lithuania, is set to shake hands with the team following the game (who also has this clip on infinity repeat in his house). As he starts to shake Chris Paul’s hand, the first player who makes it to the side lines, his voice gets noticeably higher, and he starts to hyperventilate. He starts screaming each player’s individual name and saying how great they are as basketball players. At first, the guys are a little flattered, but it is soon starting to get a little too much. The players start backing away as the Prime Minister goes to his knees and starts crying with joy. As they are leaving, the can hear the Lithuanian team say, “I hate when he does that every time he meets a basketball team.” Just don’t park illegally in his country, they take it pretty seriously.





Argentina – Ricky Martin

Amazingly, Ricky Martin (yes, that Ricky Martin) is cast as Che Guevara in a new Broadway production of “Evita”. (This is the role Ricky was BORN for we all always thought of Ricky Martin as a Marxist Rebel type, right?) So, after the toughly contested game the players are greeted by Ricky in full Che getup. Ricky gives each player a kiss on the cheek as it is traditional European greeting. Carmelo is glowing as he brought his Ricky Martin CD’s to get autographed. Things get a just a little weird though when Ricky starts patting guys on the butt as if to say “good game” a little too eagerly. I guess they were afraid to Live La Vita Loca.



 

Quarterfinals: Russia- Mikhail Prokhorov

After beating the Russians, Mikhail Prokhorov is there to congratulate the players as an NBA owner. Each player shakes the hand of the large, Acid washed jeans wearing, kickboxing loving Russian. He has a special message for Deron Williams & tells him the his birthday bash will be even bigger & badder next year, causing Deron to smile from ear to ear (we all know that’s why he really stayed not the money, B-day’s are BIG days for Deron). After talking a little big about being rich & jet skis, Prokhorov says, “I like you guys. Wrap them them up! I’ll take all of them, me & the Jay-Z will be winning all of the time now!!!”






Semifinals: Brazil-Carnival Girls

By far the player’s favorite post game hugs session. All the players were excited to hug the girls (even though it was hard to get around some of the costumes) except Anthony Davis was noticeably keeping his distance. As the girls make it down to his way, Davis turns bright red & runs to the locker room. It seems that with his young age & inexperience, Anthony had a “come up & solve the math problem” moment. These things happen Anthony, perhaps this video will help?






Finals: Spain- Barrack Obama

After the hard earned win, the players are overcome with joy. The USA started with an Obama & wanted to end with one as well. Racing to the sidelines they meet up with President Barrack Obama who gives them a handshake & a bro hug. If you look close enough, you can see Barrack slip each player their passport back to them. Guess Kobe wasn’t joking around about losing their citizenship if they didn’t come back with the gold…at least he didn’t threaten to never see their families again…