Twitter was again abuzz Sunday night about New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his beloved Dallas Cowboys.
This time it stems from television footage of Christie celebrating in the box of Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones after Dallas's 24-20 victory over the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.
The footage shows Christie attempting to give the Cowboys' owner a high-five as the team clinched the win. Jones is then seen looking at the Garden State's chief executive before turning to and embracing a man to his right. Christie then awkwardly hugs Jones from the side.
Some tweets joked that Jones rejected Christie's attempt at a high-five. Others said Christie has become a good-luck charm for the Cowboys, who next travel to Green Bay.
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On WFAN's Boomer and Carton radio show Monday morning, Christie proudly touted his allegiance to the team.
"Just because I'm governor of New Jersey doesn't mean I change who I root for," he said.
Projected '16 electoral map for US Pres after tonight's Chris Christie appearance in #Cowboys box. #NFL @drewmagary pic.twitter.com/XyFmgqUjkO
— Matt Sabuda (@MattSabuda) January 5, 2015
Here's a guy who probably isn't running for office in N.J. again: http://t.co/xCisF2ekYF #NYGiants
— Daniel Kruger (@TheRealDFK) January 5, 2015
Can Chris Christie be impeached for this?
— Neil Best (@sportswatch) January 5, 2015
I think Christie should run for Prez because after that hug can never win elective office in NJ again
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 5, 2015
Chris Christie, you had better make plans to be in Green Bay, Wisconsin next weekend. You are needed.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 5, 2015
Christie's brother, Todd, took to Facebook Sunday night to defend the governor after the game.
"To all of those non Cowboy fans who have their panties in a ringer because the Governor of NJ is a Cowboys fan---GET A LIFE !!! The Gov has been a Cowboys fan for his entire life and ALL of you would sit with the owner of your favorite team in a heartbeat if given the chance," Todd Christie said.
Christie has taken considerable ribbing about his allegiance to the Cowboys, who are bitter rivals of the Giants.
Christie was previously lampooned on social media after video showed him high-fiving with Jones during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, another division rival.
Christie has said he's been a fan since he was a kid and isn't ashamed of it.
Aides to the governor told NBC News that Christie attended the game as a guest of Jones, who provided the ticket and transportation at no expense to the New Jersey taxpayers.
The New Jersey Uniform Ethics Code has a zero tolerance policy on the acceptance of gifts from people and businesses that have interests in New Jersey.
Under a code of conduct provision in New Jersey, however, the governor may accept gifts, favors, services, gratuities, meals, lodging or travel expenses from relatives or personal friends that are paid for with personal funds.
