Former US President Donald Trump has provoked widespread condemnation after launching a vehement attack on the National Football League (NFL) for implementing a new player safety rule, derisively labelling the sport 'soft' and using the controversial term 'sissy'.
The incendiary comments, made during a radio interview, targeted the league's recent decision to ban the swivel hip-drop tackle technique—a move widely supported by medical professionals and player associations to reduce high-risk injuries.
Backlash Over 'Dangerous' Rhetoric
Critics were swift to condemn Mr. Trump's language, arguing that it promotes a toxic culture of machismo in sports where player welfare is sacrificed for outdated notions of toughness. Health experts and sports commentators emphasised that prioritising athlete safety is a sign of progress, not weakness.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) had itself pushed for the ban, citing the tackle's significantly higher risk of causing severe lower-body injuries, including fractures and ligament tears. The rule change was passed unanimously by team owners.
A Pattern of Controversial Sports Commentary
This is not the first time the former President has waded into sports politics. His tenure was notably marked by a fierce feud with NFL players who knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, accusing them of disrespecting the American flag.
His latest intervention is seen as an attempt to rally his political base by appealing to a specific cultural sentiment. However, many have pointed out the irony of his stance, given his own history of avoiding physical activity and his past criticisms of football as a dangerously violent sport.
The episode highlights the deeply polarising nature of Trump's commentary and its continued ability to dominate headlines and stir debate on issues far beyond the political arena.
