On a special Veterans Day episode of The Pat McAfee Show, former President Donald Trump called in unexpectedly. He chatted about everything from college sports in the NIL era to his gripes with the NFL’s latest kickoff rule.
Trump’s a known sports fan, so his thoughts on the future of college athletics and NIL deals were, well, pretty opinionated. He didn’t shy away from talking about how these changes could shake up the economics of college sports.
Trump’s Take on College Sports and NIL Deals
Trump openly worried about where college sports are heading, especially now that Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are in play. He seemed convinced that even the richest colleges could feel the pinch.
The Role of Nick Saban
He singled out Nick Saban, the legendary Alabama coach, as someone who really gets the ins and outs of college athletics. In Trump’s view, Saban should have a hand in sorting out these financial headaches.
- Nick Saban’s involvement: Trump thinks Saban could help keep college sports afloat.
- Economic strain: NIL deals might stretch even wealthy colleges to their limits.
- Impact on lesser sports: Smaller programs are getting cut as budgets tighten.
Concerns Over NFL Kickoff Rule
Trump didn’t mince words when it came to the NFL’s new kickoff rule. He called it demeaning and said it strips away some of football’s best traditions.
Impact on the Game’s Pageantry
He argued the rule has made the game less thrilling and less meaningful for fans. In his eyes, it’s just not the same sport anymore.
- Tradition: Kickoffs are a core part of football, Trump insists.
- Fan engagement: The new rule has dulled the excitement.
- Safety concerns: Trump doubts the rule really makes players any safer.
The Washington Commanders’ Name Change
Trump also brought up his recent appearance at a Washington Commanders game. He questioned why the team dropped the Redskins name, hinting at his fondness for the old-school monikers.
Historical Significance
His comments tap into a bigger debate over holding onto tradition versus adapting for cultural sensitivity. Trump’s not shy about preferring the names that have been around forever.
- Preserving tradition: He values the legacy of classic team names.
- Cultural sensitivity: The change is a nod to a more aware culture, for better or worse.
Ryder Cup Performance
Switching gears, Trump talked about the recent Ryder Cup. He was genuinely impressed by the putting on display—some of those long putts, he said, were just wild.
Key Moments
He remembered a few big moments, especially the clutch putts that stuck with him. The players’ skill and the overall competitiveness really stood out.
- Impressive putting: Trump couldn’t get over how many long putts dropped.
- Competitive spirit: Both teams showed off some serious talent.
- Memorable moments: Those close matches made it a blast to watch.
Conclusion
President Trump’s appearance on *The Pat McAfee Show* was something else. He didn’t hold back on his opinions about college sports and the wild world of NIL deals.
He also had a few words about the NFL’s new kickoff rule. You could tell he’s genuinely passionate about these games—maybe even a little worried about where things are headed.
If you want the full story, including all the details and a few moments you might’ve missed, check out the article on *USA Today* here.
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