According to the photographer that took the photo shown below, the image is not depicting what you may have been led to believe.
On Monday several web-based outlets published this photo and indicated it showed President Obama trying to drown out booing he allegedly received at a weekend basketball game.
"Obama covers his ears after crowd boos him at college basketball game," said one outlet.
"Obama covers his ears to drown out the booing after his name is mentioned at basketball game," said another.
U.S. President Barack Obama gestures as he watches a basketball game at the University of Maryland's Comcast Center on November 16, 2013 in College Park, Maryland. Obama attended the Oregon State vs. University of Maryland with the first family to support his brother-in-law, Craig Robinson, who coaches the Oregon State team. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)
But, is that really what happened? No, it appears.
According to the photographer, Brendan Smialowski, the president was simply reacting to the game.
"The caption makes it clear that President Obama is reacting to game play," Smialowski told TheBlaze Monday in an email, referring to the official caption that says "U.S. President Barack Obama gestures as he watches a basketball game."
"[T]he president was booed while walking to his seat," he continued. "This photo was taken after, during the actual game. It appeared to me he was reacting to a play in the game."
Video from the event appears to support Smialowski's recollection of events, showing some fans greet Obama with both cheers and jeers, but none after he had been seated when the photograph was taken:
Additionally, TheBlaze was unable to locate any video showing the president cover his ears while being booed.
"At that point I think it is reasonable to say the crowd's attention, cheers, boos and otherwise were directed to the game," Smialowski said.
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