Obama in favor with politically minded Rebels

UNLV backup quarterback Mike Clausen carries a backpack with the popular and artsy red, white and blue sticker of Barack Obama, and sometimes wears a T-shirt showing his support for the Democratic presidential nominee.

The Rebels might wear red for practices and games, but they don those uniforms in a politically blue locker room.

"We don't get into it too much, but it's there," said linebacker Jason Beauchamp, an Obama supporter. "I think most of the guys on the team would agree with me."

Some players talked about voting early on campus this week. Election day is Nov. 4.

The Rebels, who play No. 12 Texas Christian at 5 p.m. Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium, follow the national trend of the youth support going to Obama over Republican nominee John McCain. There is skepticism, based on previous elections, that youth will turn out at the polls.

There is even some doubt on the UNLV team that the players who say they will vote for Obama will follow through.

"We'll see how many of them actually go out and vote," said defensive tackle Jacob Hales, who did not reveal his choice. "It's going to be like 'MTV Vote or Die.' Everyone's like, 'Oh, yeah, I've got to go vote,' and then nobody ever does."

Though most players back Obama, some McCain support exists. Linebacker Rusty Worthen, one such backer, one day found Obama stickers all over the lockers, except for his and brother Ryan's.

"We kind of get ganged up on, but we end up holding our own," Rusty Worthen said.

Coach Mike Sanford said he won't discourage political talk among his players, as Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel did this month. Crennel said he didn't want his players distracted by what could be heated discussions.

"As long as it's not something that's interrupting meetings or practice or anything like that," Sanford said. "This election is a great election because it's drawing attention of people. I think there are more people going to vote. I think it's something our players are very interested in. I think that's great."

Sanford, who has been in coaching since 1977, said this election has created more interest on this team than any other he has been a part of during a presidential race.

Though Sanford did not reveal his presidential choice, wide receiver Casey Flair might have given it away. Sanford was the one who told Flair that fellow Alaskan, Sarah Palin, was selected in August to be McCain's running mate.

"(Sanford) was pretty fired up about it," Flair said. "When he asked me, I didn't know what he was talking about because I never get a chance to turn on the TV.

"And I guess when you're the head coach, you've got a lot of time to watch some TV," he added, jokingly.

Flair said he hasn't followed the election closely enough to have a preference. Some other players also were undecided.

Center John Gianninoto, who like McCain is from Arizona, is one of those players. He said he will vote for "whoever will make the country better."

Quarterback Omar Clayton is from Illinois, Obama's state. Clayton isn't undecided.

"I think the biggest thing is (Obama's) got so much charisma and the power to get people to believe in what he's saying and what he wants to do," Clayton said.

Like many black players, Clayton said race wasn't a factor in his choice. One white player interviewed, wide receiver Ryan Wolfe, also said he supports the Democrat.

"I'm voting for him because I feel he would be the better president," Clayton said. "If I really felt McCain would be, I would vote for McCain."

• NOTES -- Cornerback Mike Grant (5 feet 10 inches, 180 pounds) of Sierra College in Truckee, Calif., committed to the Rebels. He is the fourth commitment in this class and the first from a junior college. Grant is a two-star prospect, according to JCFootball.com. ... This week's booster luncheon will be held Thursday because campus will be closed Friday for Nevada Day.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.