In a state where football is a way of life and politics, the University of Florida Gators are number 1 in the hearts of fans, according to Public Policy Polling. The University of Miami Hurricanes aren't so loved. And Miami Heat basketball star LeBron James is not much of a star at all.
The results:
-When it comes to Floridians' favorite professional sports team it's all about football. 17% of voters in the state say the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are their favorite to 16% each for the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars. The state's NBA teams come next in the pecking order with 14% saying the Miami Heat are their top team and 11% picking the Orlando Magic. Baseball teams come next with the Tampa Bay Rays tying the Magic at 11% and the Florida Marlins coming right behind at 10%. Bringing up the rear are the state's two hockey teams with the Tampa Bay Lightning at 4% and the Florida Panthers at 2%.
-There's a more clear leader when it comes to Florida's favorite college sports program. That's the Gators at 30%, followed by Florida State at 19%, Central Florida at 11%, Miami at 9%, South Florida at 6%, Florida Atlantic at 5%, and Florida International at just 1%. Pretty embarrassing numbers for the Hurricanes given the historic success of their athletic programs as opposed to Central Florida- of course the public vs. private nature of the schools and the Golden Knights' comparatively massive student body and alumni base might have something to do with that.
-And finally Floridians don't like LeBron James, although they do like him better than Ohioans do. 22% of voters in the state see him in a favorable light to 24% with a negative opinion. That compares to 23% with a positive opinion and 49% with an unfavorable one when we polled his home state in May.
Full analysis (including stuff about Medicare and gay marriage) here
Why such negative opinion in Florida? Is it the player or basketball in general.
Posted by: Lebronsucks_me | July 06, 2011 at 10:36 PM