In a Sports Illustrated review of President Trump's interactions with sports figures and organizations in the year since he was elected, 79 percent of the opinionated mentions were negative. Compiled by SI staff members, the report includes 34 examples critical of the president and nine which are favorable. Seven were neutral.
Among the negative reports on President Trump were these:
The Super Bowl champion New England Patriots visited the White House, but the focus of the report was criticism by a few players who opted not to attend the event. The same thing applied to the 2016 World Series champion Chicago Cubs' visit to the White House, with the focus on three negative players who skipped the visit.
Seven of nine professional athletes and Dallas Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban opposed Trump's election. Only golfer John Daly and auto racer Danicka Patrick were cited as approving.
San Antonio Spurs' Coach Greg Popovich was included for saying Trump's policies made him sick to his stomach, Trump is "embarrassing" and for calling the president a "soulless coward."
Cleveland Cavaliers' superstar LeBron James was also mentioned multiple times. He (and pro sports teams) avoid Trump hotels, he criticized the travel ban, called the president a "bum" without receiving media criticism and said Trump "made hate fashionable again."
The widow of the late war hero and former Arizona Cardinals' safety Pat Tillman is included in the report for criticizing the president for politicizing her husband.
Sports Illustrated included two members of the NBA champion Golden Warriors name-calling the 45th president, including all-star guard Stephen Curry (an "ass") and his coach, Steve Kerr, ("a blowhard").
Former NFL Coach Rex Ryan said he "regrets" past support for Trump.
Trump "caused headaches" for the U.S. Open women's golf tournament as well. Multiple NBA coaches and players mocked Trump over "alternative facts," and Seattle Seahawks' quarterback Russell Wilson says Trump might not last four years while calling for the return of Barack Obama to the presidency.
ESPN Sports Center co-anchor Jemele Hill won the support of colleagues for calling Trump and his supporters "white supremacists." Though she was suspended for another matter, Trump "continued to attack the network."
On the positive side, Patriots QB Tom Brady called to congratulate Trump on his election as president, and the Patriots sent Trump a Super Bowl ring. Cleveland Indians' pitcher Trevor Bauer backs Trump and golfer Rory McElroy defended his decision to play golf with the prez.
President Trump praised NASCAR, the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones. UFC President Dana White said he would play the national anthem before ultimate fights if President Trump requested he do so.
The report also included some interactions in which no positive or negative opinion was discernible.
