US President Donald Trump faced a chorus of boos from spectators while attending an NFL game between the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions, a match that also featured a controversial touchdown celebration.
Player Issues Apology for Viral Celebration
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St Brown has publicly apologised to anyone who took offence at his decision to perform the 'Trump Dance' during his team's victory. The dance, which has gained popularity among athletes, was executed after St Brown scored a touchdown in the first quarter.
The player addressed the subsequent social media backlash on the podcast he hosts with his brother, Equanimeous, a fellow NFL professional. "First of all, if I offended anyone, I do apologise. I did not mean to offend anyone. It was just, we're having fun," Amon-Ra St Brown stated on the St Brown Podcast. He emphasised the non-partisan nature of his actions, 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."
A Presidential Appearance Marred by Jeers
President Trump's attendance at the Sunday game was historically significant, making him the first sitting president to attend a regular-season NFL game since Jimmy Carter in 1978. However, his presence was met with audible disapproval from large sections of the crowd at the Commanders' stadium.
Interestingly, Trump missed the live rendition of the dance that bore his name, as he arrived after St Brown's first-quarter touchdown. Despite this, the president later posted a clip of the celebration on social media, dubbing the receiver "Amon-Ra St Trump" in the caption.
A Complicated Relationship with the NFL
The event underscored Trump's long-standing and testy relationship with the National Football League. During his first term, he famously described NFL players protesting against social injustice as "sons of bitches". More recently, in his second term, he has urged the Washington Commanders to revert to their previous racist nickname and criticised the league's selection of his critic, Bad Bunny, for the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show.
Despite this friction, Trump maintains support from some NFL figures, including stars like Nick Bosa and Harrison Butker, and attended last season's Super Bowl.
Concluding his podcast remarks, St Brown sought to draw a line under the controversy, stating, "We were just having fun, doing the dance. Nothing more, nothing less." Meanwhile, reports have emerged that President Trump is interested in having the Commanders' new stadium named after him.
