President Trump's NFL Appearance Met with Mixed Reactions
Former US President Donald Trump faced a chorus of boos from sections of the crowd while attending the Washington Commanders' NFL game this past Sunday. The contentious appearance was further complicated by an on-field incident involving Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St Brown, whose celebratory dance sparked a significant social media backlash.
St Brown's 'Trump Dance' and Subsequent Apology
Detroit Lions player Amon-Ra St Brown has issued a public apology to anyone offended by his decision to perform the 'Trump Dance' following a touchdown during his team's victory over the Washington Commanders. The dance, which has gained popularity among athletes, was performed in the first quarter, before President Trump had arrived at the stadium.
Addressing the criticism on the podcast he hosts with his brother, Equanimeous, St Brown expressed regret. "First of all, if I offended anyone, I do apologise. I did not mean to offend anyone. It was just, we're having fun," the receiver stated. He emphasised that the dance was not a political statement, adding, "If any president was at that game and had a dance I would have done it. It had nothing to do with who the president was."
Trump's Relationship with the NFL and Social Media Reaction
Despite missing the live performance, Donald Trump later posted a clip of St Brown's dance on social media, captioning it with a playful renaming of the player to "Amon-Ra St Trump." This interaction highlights Trump's continued, though often fraught, engagement with the league.
Trump's history with the NFL is complex. During his first term, he famously criticised players protesting social injustice. More recently, he has urged the Commanders to revert to their previous racist nickname and attacked the league's entertainment choices. His attendance on Sunday marked the first time a sitting president has been at a regular-season NFL game since Jimmy Carter in 1978.
Following the event, reports have emerged that Trump is interested in having the Commanders' new stadium named after him. Meanwhile, St Brown reiterated his position on the podcast, saying, "We were just having fun, doing the dance. Nothing more, nothing less."
