The most recent issue of ESPN the Magazine, the bi-weekly publication of the 24-hours cable sports network ESPN, gave current and former pro athletes their own segment to “sound off” on various subjects, including news of the day. While most athletes discussed rule changes to their respective sports or things they’d like to accomplish after sports, former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice took a different approach. Instead, he offered readers some thoughts on President Barack Obama’s performance.

Shorter version – it’s George Bush’s fault:

“I think with President Obama, everyone is criticizing him for taking on what George Bush left him. Give him an opportunity. This is something he inherited from George Bush. I really try to stay out of politics and all of that, but to see everything happening on television with people constantly bashing him with their different opinions — we have wars, the deficit, all of this stuff. There is so much going on right now that it’s going to take him a while to turn this around. So just give him a chance.”

Apparently two-and-half years aren’t long enough for Rice. Just exactly how much time is needed to fix what Obama “inherited” from President Bush?

Rice, a NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver, played the majority of his career for the San Francisco 49ers. He was an prolific wide receiver in his day, winning three Super Bowls and racking up some gaudy stats (208 TDs, 22,895 receiving yards and 1,549 receptions).

Although he claims he “really” tries to stay out of politics, perhaps he should and stick to talking football.

Related posts:

1. Four on Four: EA Sports ‘NBA Jam’ Pits Obama, Gore and Clinton’s against Bush, Palin, McCain and Cheney
2. WaPo: Obama’s Just Like Us!
3. Obama Transcends the Last Realm of Media: Video Games
4. London Mayor Boris Johnson Sets the British Stereotype Back a Decade
5. Bill Clinton Keeping it Classy