By now, you’ve probably heard about Josh Howard’s controversial appearance on YouTube, where he denounced the National Anthem and then endorsed Barack Obama (SON!). But after tonight’s vice-presidential debate between Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden, Howard has changed his tune, announcing he’ll now support the “Maverick” ticket of McCain-Palin. Shocking news, but we have the photographic evidence to back it all up.

Whenever a professional sports team visits the White House to be honored as champions, you know what’s going to happen before it actually does. George W. Bush is going to receive a jersey from the team, talk about teamwork, and then make a joke. That pattern was in action yesterday, as the Super Bowl Champions, the Indianapolis Colts, visited Dubya.

“So a lot of people here in the White House compound have been really looking forward to seeing Peyton Manning,” Bush said Monday on the South Lawn. “They wanted to see a guy who gets more air time than I do.”

Clearly, Bush is a fan of guys with laser, rocket arms. He’s also a big fan of Manning’s charity work, which was highlighted nicely on Saturday Night Live. The Colts presented Bush with a #43 Colts jersey. No, Bush isn’t a big Matt Giordano fan. He’s President #43. Trust me, it took me a couple minutes to figure it out as well.

Bush also took the time to thank Tony Dungy for his courage. It’s been a roller coaster ride the last couple of years for Dungy. Two years ago, his son committed suicide in the middle of the Colts’ season. A year later, he became the first black coach to win a Super Bowl. Being recognized by the President is a fitting tribute for a guy that’s really gone through a lot.

Just two months after winning the Super Bowl, Indy got their White House invite. For some reason, it took the Miami Heat eight months to get their invitation. But don’t worry, The President saved a real zinger for Shaq and the Heat: ” And then, of course, you’ve got the big man, Shaq. He works as a reserve police officer with the Miami Beach Police Department. He gives new meaning to the phrase, “the long arm of the law.” Unfortunately, he left out the Diesel’s most notable exploits.

Either Lynn Swann’s golf game has gone to hell or he really hates sideline reporting. After his failed campaign to become Governor of Pennsylvania in last November’s election, Swann is again thinking about politics. He’s confirmed that he’s been approached to run for an open Pittsburgh-area seat in Congress.

“It’s a process. It’s not a matter at this point about whether it’s something I thought about doing in the past or would think about doing in the future,” Swann said.

Here’s an idea Lynn. Don’t be so vague. I know you’re practicing your vagueness for the campaign trail but that’s probably the most unsure statement I’ve ever read. Go ahead and read it again. I can’t understand what the hell he’s even trying to say. Are you running or are you not?

If Swann does get elected to fill that seat in Congress, expect him to travel through Pittsburgh and applaud the city’s blue collar ethic because nobody ever relates Pittsburgh and blue collar work. Swann would likely face Republican Jason Altmire in the race for Congress. With over a year until the election, expect Swann to call on Jerome Bettis to help out on the campaign trail.

I didn’t watch the State of the Union Address last night. It had nothing to do with politics or forgetting it was on. I was just watching something else at the time (GUTS) and never tuned in. Unfortunately, I missed out on the most random cameo in State of the Union history. This had to be the most surprising TV moment in the last few weeks. I don’t know if it’s more surprising than Jack Bauer biting that guy’s jugular. But it’s close.

Dikembe Mutombo was at the State of the Union Address. Yes, the same Dikembe that is famous for his finger waggle as well as his “Who wants to sex Mutombo?” question. Mutombo was honored for his fine humanitarian efforts of his native Congo.

Dikembe Mutombo grew up in Africa, amid great poverty and disease. He came to Georgetown University on a scholarship to study medicine — but Coach John Thompson got a look at Dikembe and had a different idea. Dikembe became a star in the NBA, and a citizen of the United States. But he never forgot the land of his birth — or the duty to share his blessings with others. He has built a brand new hospital in his hometown. A friend has said of this good hearted man: “Mutombo believes that God has given him this opportunity to do great things.” And we are proud to call this son of the Congo our fellow American.

It was certainly a nice tribute, albeit an unexpected one. In 2001, Dikembe donated $3.5 million towards the construction of a hospital. In 2006, he donated over $15 million towards a facility that will be the first modern hospital of that area in 40 years. It’s named after his mother.

Eight time all-star, four time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and now, one-time shout-out at the State of the Union Address. Maybe Rik Smits will get a nod at the next speech.

If someone told me that Heath Shuler was going to win a seat in the House of Representatives I probably would have laughed at them. If someone told me Heath Shuler was ever going to make the news again, other than being a complete failure, I probably would have laughed at them for that too. I would have been made to look like a jackass, as Heath Shuler defied all odds and earned himself a seat in the House of Representatives in Tuesdays elections. Shuler finds himself representing the western part of North Carolina.

Ryan mentioned earlier other notable athletes who have had their runs in politics. While he left off major contributors such as former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne, his list is pretty solid. Unfortunately he forgot the lone winner Heath Shuler.

This is the same Heath Shuler who was a complete and total bust coming out of a great college career at Tennessee. The same one who lobbed up 33 interceptions as opposed to his 15 touchdowns. I thought this guy had disappeared off the face of the Earth forever, evidently he resurfaced in North Carolina. But congratulations to Shuler, I just hope his political career works out better than his NFL one.

With Election Day in full swing, I thought it might be fitting to mix athletes and politics. Several notable ex-athletes are involved in today’s election, continuing a long line of athletes turned politicians. We have two former athletes involved in races governor today. Here’s the top five athletes that have been involved in politics.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: The “Governator” is expected to win his reelection bid today against Democrat Phil Angelides. The once roided bodybuilder turned actor turned politician has been the Governor of California since 2003. His tenure has included countless puns involving Terminator lines and accusations of Nazi admiration.

Lynn Swann: The Hall of Fame wide receiver is also making headlines today. He’s the Republican candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania. His campaign team, “Team 88″, is similar to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season: destined for failure. Swann is behind in the polls, which somewhat surprises me because of his Steeler ties. But I suppose Steelers fans are a bit too depressed to rock the vote today. It appears the “Immaculate Election” will not go Swann’s way this year.

Jesse Ventura: The former WWF wrestler and announcer, Jesse “The Body” became Jesse “The Mind”, as he became governor of Minnesota from 1999-2003. Ventura continued to stay active in WWE affairs, serving as a special guest referee in a Stone Cold Steve Austin- Triple H match, as well as hosting the XFL Pregame Show. Ventura didn’t run for a second term.

Charles Barkley: Barkley has switched political allegiances several times. He was a proud Republican “until they lost their minds” and now considers himself an independent. The “Round Mound of Rebound” is strongly expressing desire to run for governor of Alabama. He won’t be eligible until 2014 but Barkley wants to “talk about real issues” including schools, crime, and “making Alabama a better place for all people.” Luckily, we still have eight more years of Barkley manning the TNT booth during NBA telecasts.

Mike Ditka: Ditka considered running for Senator of Illinois in 2004 against eventual winner Barack Obama. However, he decided against it. Monster of the Midway or not, a political race between an angry Ditka and a young up-and-coming politician would have been entertaining. Ditka pulled out of the race because his wife was against it and because Ditka had commitments to his line of restaurants, not to mention his commitment of screaming at the NFL Live cameras on ESPN.