[Jocklife] Deke on Election 2008

Hayesfan · Nov 13, 2008

http://www.jocklife.com/eng/news/redirect.cfm?sectionID=news/extranetNewsDetail.cfm&newsItemID=8847 (repost from BDL (edit))

Dikembe Mutombo reflects On Election 2008
Updated: 11/07/2008 6:58 PM

For basketball player and philanthropist Dikembe Mutombo, November 4th 2008 is one day he will not forget in a long time. Mutombo, now an American citizen was able to vote for the first time in his life. “It was a great experience and I was overwhelmed because it was my first time in my life. I am 42 years old today and I never got a chance to vote,” Mutombo said.

Born and raised in the former Zaire - now Democratic Republic of Congo - under the dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, Mutombo never had this sort of freedom to cast his vote, because the country did not have a democratically elected government. “When I was growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the Mobutu regime, nobody really went to the polls because he was the only candidate,” explains Mutombo.

To say that the outcome of the election turned Mutombo speechless and that he felt like a new day in his life would be quite accurate. The second most prolific shot blocker behind former Houston Rockets great Hakeem Olajuwon could not hide his excitement on the opportunity to vote for a candidate. “After obtaining my citizenship and getting the opportunity to participate in an historic election, where we selected an African-American as the president of the United States, I never thought that I would live in my lifetime to see this day,” he said.

From the conversation, one could tell the enthusiasm in his voice as he discussed a change in the political terrain here at home and abroad. “I think it is a big change in our country when you talk about an African-American going to the White House. It’s a transformation and has taken us to the history mark as we have witnessed,” says Mutombo.

The man with probably the biggest shoe size in the NBA was filled with praise for the democrat heading to the White House. With that you didn’t need to ask who he voted for. “Are you kidding me? [Laughs]. This is a man with great character, a great sense of humor, he knows how to talk to the people and he is a great orator. He is someone I believe in and I am glad he is in the White House,” says Mutombo.

Mutombo feels his vote for president-elect Obama was the right choice, because he is an African just like president Obama’s father. “That I saw the son of another African man, getting the chance to become the president of the United States, this is history. This has given me the opportunity to tell my three kids that don’t think because daddy came from Africa, you do not have the chance to become somebody,” he said.

Still hoping to play this NBA season, but cautiously taking his time, Mutombo says he wants to be in the driver seat making the decision where and when he plays. “I really want to play for a couple of months, maybe for half of the season. I think chances of me playing right now, is a little bit smaller. I will make the decision where I want to go play in December, as I am the only one who can make that decision,” he said.

Mutombo does not intend on closing the door on a return to the Rockets, an organization he has played with since 2004. “I’m getting calls from six teams to play, but I’m just waiting to see what’s going on with the Houston Rockets and when they will make their final decision,” he says.

While away from basketball, Mutombo is a father and husband to his family daily. Until a team calls him, he will cherish the time with his loved ones. “My daily routine is to drop off my kids at school, go straight to the gym for 3-4 hours and then bike classes, yoga, aerobics, just to make sure that I am in shape. I’m also home trying to be a father and a husband at the same time.”

He also has a home office where he works from and monitors the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation which is based in Atlanta. Mutombo pleads with the American public to join him in helping women and young children in need at his hospital in Congo. “From today, Friday, we are launching a national campaign where we are appealing to the American people if they can come out and participate and are willing to give the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, more than 68 cents a day by calling 1-800-251-0942, as we aim to save the women and children in the hospital,” Mutombo said.

A premier shot blocker and finger wagging NBA player, a humanitarian and a first time voter at age 42 are some of the attributes wrapped up in that 7ft 2in frame of Mutombo’s and maybe more.

Sulaiman Folarin is the editor of JOCKlife.com, he can be reached at sly@jocklife.com
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I know Deke isn't technical on our roster, but he's still a Rocket as far as I'm concerned.

Thought it was interesting that it was his first election to vote in. Very cool.

conquistador#11 · Nov 13, 2008

This should be reposted on every forum. When a great community worker and human like deke speaks, everyone should pay attention.

shakegod · Nov 13, 2008

No matter the age,he is perfect big guy we need,his blocks,rebounds helped us a lot,also I want to see his illusory finger
Wish Morey resign him soon

rodrick_98 · Nov 13, 2008

so is he registered to vote and still living here? the article didn't specify

Hayesfan · Nov 13, 2008

rodrick_98 said:

so is he registered to vote and still living here? the article didn't specify
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Yes he recently became a US citizen, which is how he could now vote in the election.

rodrick_98 · Nov 13, 2008

Hayesfan said:

Yes he recently became a US citizen, which is how he could now vote in the election.
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lol i know that part, i was more curious as to if he is living here locally (in houston) or if he was back in ATL.

Hayesfan · Nov 13, 2008

rodrick_98 said:

lol i know that part, i was more curious as to if he is living here locally (in houston) or if he was back in ATL.
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OH!! LOL I misunderstood your question.

Carl Herrera · Nov 13, 2008

Is it true that the Mutombo 800 number just received a call from someone identified as "DM".promising a donation upon his signing with the Rockets?

clos4life · Nov 13, 2008

Man, I miss having the cookie monster. I hope he signs with us so he can keep blocking shots and wagging that finger. That would be awesome to have a true shot blocking threat come into the game after Yao takes a seat.

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