1:59
- ABC News
- September 25, 2017
Trump's been feuding with the NFL since the 1980s
Trump sued the NFL in 1986 after becoming the owner of a USFL team.
1:59
Trump had been bested by a higher offer. Had he become an owner, he probably wouldn't have run for president, he told the AP last year. But, he said the bid for president was \"more exciting\" and \"a lot cheaper.\"
Rex Ryan, who served as the Bills' head coach for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, said Sunday on ESPN that he was \"p----- off\" by Trump's criticism of players who protest the national anthem. Ryan had supported Trump and introduced him at an April 2016 rally in Buffalo during his campaign, the former coach said.
By the time Trump joined Twitter in 2009, he was no stranger to bashing the NFL. But, his criticisms finally became Twitter-official in March 2013, when he wrote \"What is happening to the sport?\"
The NFL has just barred ball carriers from using helmet as contact. What is happening to the sport? The beginning of the end.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 20, 2013
Later that year, Trump made clear his views on former quarterback Tim Tebow's abilities as a player -- twice -- saying Tebow \"deserves to be in the @nfl.\"
.@TimTebow has tremendous talent and a proven ability to lead. He deserves to be in the @nfl.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2013
I just don't know why some of these NFL teams with lousy quarterbacks don't give Tim Tebow a chance - what do they have to lose?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 29, 2013
Trump alerted his followers in May 2014 that he was watching the NFL draft, saying that only a few of its attendees will become stars.
I am watching the NFL DRAFT, will be interesting! A lot of talent but only a few will become STARS.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 9, 2014
Trump's goodwill toward the NFL seemed to fizzle out completely as 2014 marched on.
Roger Goodell must stop apologizing to everyone who will listen and toughen up. His street smart players are laughing at him and the NFL!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 19, 2014
The NFL image is really tarnished! Now, if the sponsors start leaving and the ratings go down, the NFL will be in big trouble. Boring games!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 20, 2014
The NFL should have its non-profit status immediately revoked while at the same time ending the giant tax scam which makes teams so valuable
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 20, 2014
I don't know what it is, but I'm getting totally bored watching NFL football. Too many penalties and far too soft! T.V. off and back to work
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2014
I'm not going to be watching much NFL football anymore. Too time consuming, too boring, too many flags and too soft. Focus on other things!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 6, 2014
The @nfl ratings continue to fall every week and will keep dropping. Boring games--too many flags--too soft!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 10, 2014
There are just so many penalties and such long commercials in these NFL games that they are no longer worth watching. Soft hitting & boring!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 26, 2014
In May 2015, Trump accused the NFL of targeting New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Deflategate.
You can be an @nfl player with murder charges and not be suspended. Yet with NO EVIDENCE, @nfl targeted Tom Brady. B.S.!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2015
I hope Tom Brady sues the hell out of the @nfl for incompetence & defamation. They will drop the case against him--and he will win.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2015
Who ever heard of a legal conviction statement “more probable than not” against Tom Brady? Sue them, Tom, and make lots of $. @nfl
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2015
There is no way my friend Bob Kraft agreed not to appeal the NFL decision without making a deal to at least get something. We love Tom Brady
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 20, 2015
During the presidential election, Trump accused Democrats of conspiring to schedule debates at the same time as NFL games to allegedly minimize viewers. (The national political parties have no role in scheduling the dates for debates, according to Politifact.)
As usual, Hillary & the Dems are trying to rig the debates so 2 are up against major NFL games. Same as last time w/ Bernie. Unacceptable!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2016
Over the weekend, Trump took to Twitter to echo the comments he made during a rally in Huntsville, Alabama, on Friday, when he suggested that NFL owners should fire players who protest against the national anthem.
If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL,or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
...our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU'RE FIRED. Find something else to do!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
...NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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