Nice game … Senator? Blessed with all-around skills and an impeccable image, Ray Allen has the Bucks shooting for an NBA title on the court and his own lofty aspirations off it - Interview: Ray Allen - National Basketball Association - Statistical Data Included - Interview

Basketball Digest, Jan, 2002 by Brett Ballantini

BD: Do you ever envision yourself moving beyond acting and charity work and into the political forum?

RA: I've already told my senator [Bucks owner Herb Kohl] that maybe one day I'll be a politician. While I think I have power now, try doubling up being an athlete and then being a politician. All I do now is say how I feel and people say, "Well, Ray Allen feels this way--we feel that way too." People will jump on my bandwagon. I can go to a rally and talk and influence other people to feel the same way. But politicians, they go in there and write those bills. The ultimate power is making laws that stand for what you really believe in. That's where you can change America, as a politician. Maybe one day ...

BD: A political career would excite you, rather than be a burden or a pressure?

RA: It wouldn't scare me off at all. It's still dealing with people and having the ultimate challenge of doing something for my people. I know being a politician means you have to balance on fences, jump from side to side. Right now, I do what I do, and if you don't like it, so what? But as a politician, you have your constituents that won't hesitate to say [picks up and speaks into mock phone], "Senator Allen, what the hell did you just sign?" [Laughs]