Richard Soriano
At UFC 302, two athletes reacted differently to seeing ex-President Trump. Aaron Rodgers, a Jets quarterback who was once talked about as a possible VP for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., didn’t acknowledge Trump’s nod when he entered the arena with UFC boss Dana White. This suggests Rodgers might have different political views or personal beliefs.
In contrast, UFC star Sean Strickland took an openly supportive stance toward Trump, expressing admiration and solidarity during a post-match interview with Joe Rogan after his victory over Paulo Costa.
Strickland’s vocal support, including pledging to donate to Trump, highlighted a stark contrast in reactions among professional athletes to Trump’s presence, reflecting the diverse political landscape within the sports community.
Trump’s presence elicited significant applause from the majority of spectators in the arena, as noted by Rogan during the broadcast. The enthusiastic reception demonstrated the ongoing support Trump commands among certain segments of the population, showcasing the polarizing nature of his public appearances and the enduring loyalty of his base.
Rodgers, in previous statements during Jets’ OTAs, had expressed his support for RFK Jr. but emphasized his commitment to continuing his football career.
His decision not to engage with Trump at the UFC event suggests a deliberate choice to maintain a distance from the former president, possibly to avoid political entanglements or to uphold his own beliefs while navigating the intersection of sports and politics.
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