This story is so inane, that it bears discussing.

Gov. Bob Riley made the usual friendly bet with Florida Gov. Charlie Crist on last weekend’s Southeastern Conference football championship game: a crate of Florida oranges versus ribs from Dreamland Barbecue in Tuscaloosa.

But with Alabama’s win comes criticism over Riley’s push to close down the state’s electronic bingo halls.

I swear to God people will look for ANYTHING to make a story. There is a massive difference between playfully betting food and betting money.

Not making things any better, Riley is acting like he wasn’t serious, telling Florida officials to not send over the oranges… The oranges they already have ready to send. They apparently thought he was serious, because… well last year when Florida won, Alabama sent the ribs they bet. The dude was serious this time, too, but is simply making the politically safe move.

Instead, Gov. Riley should make fun of the story, as it should be, possibly comparing it to a mountain being made of a mole hill. Then he could do easily transition into the politician talking points of, “We need to focus on our children, the economy, America, awesome, blah, blah, blah.”

[via ESPN]