Obama Downplays Basketball Injury, Says Doctors Gave Him 'Clean Bill of Health'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Nov. 29: Stitches are seen in President Barack Obama's lower lip as he delivers a statement to members of the media in the Old Executive Office Building, on the White House campus in Washington, D.C. (AP)
President Obama joked Monday that he absorbed one of Washington's infamous "sharp elbows" as he assured the public his basketball injury over the weekend was no big deal.
The president had to get 12 stitches after he busted his lip during a basketball game Friday. The injury was visible as the president delivered brief remarks Monday on a proposal to freeze federal pay. He took the opportunity to play down the wound.
"Let me begin by pointing out that, although Washington is supposed to be a town of sharp elbows, it's getting a little carried away," Obama said, adding that he would continue to play basketball. "For those of you who are worried about my lip, I should be OK. The doctor has given me a clean bill of health."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Reynaldo Decerega, programs director for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, was identified as the individual who hit the president.
Obama said he played Sunday with daughters Sasha and Malia.
"They took it easy on me 'cause they were feeling pity," he said.