Clinton Hails NBA’s Chief

LANDOVER, Md. — Bill Clinton took the night off Friday to watch Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls play the Washington Bullets, the first president to watch an NBA game since Jimmy Carter in 1979.

Clinton visited both locker rooms, than sat at midcourt, about 10 rows from the USAir Arena hardwood, alongside Bullets owner Abe Pollin. Wearing a dark suit and red tie, Clinton waved to fans before the game and sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” with his hand over his chest.

He lightly applauded Jordan and Chicago’s controversial Dennis Rodman during introductions, then did the same when the Bullets’ starting lineup was announced.

Once the game started, he learned forward in his seat and intently followed the action. With 8:23 left in the first quarter, he was delivered a sizable tub of popcorn and he eagerly dug in.