Obama gets 12 stitches after being elbowed in basketball match

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama has received 12 stitches in the lip after being elbowed in a basketball match.

And the man who is responsible is named Rey Decerega, the director of programs for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, the White House said.

“I learned today the president is both a tough competitor and a good sport,” the Politico quoted Decerega as saying in a statement.

“I enjoyed playing basketball with him this morning. I’m sure he’ll be back out on the court again soon.”

Decerega “turned into POTUS, who was playing defense, to take a shot when the elbow hit the President in the mouth,” the White House said.

The pool added, “The medical unit that treated Obama used a maller filament than typically used, which increases the number f stitches but makes a tighter stitch and results in a smaller car. Obama was given a local anesthetic while receiving the titches.” (ANI)