After the Trump assasination attempt social media exploded with athletes voicing their support of the presidential candidate, but this was not the same tenor that we are used to. Instead the support rang out with tweets and posts stating that many didn't ever get into politics, but they are now. Others said they had never voted before, but after what they witnessed they are in full support of the former president, while many also showed their affiliation by saying they were switching from the Democrats to Trump's side.
Locally, Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, who later admitted he has never voted before, posted a picture of Trump and wrote “ladies & gentlemen.....President Donald Trump.” That should make Jets team owner Woody Johnson happy as he tweeted out "President Trump makes me proud to be an American. He’s always been a fighter and will continue to do so."
The support wasn't just local as across social media athletes started to throw their hat into the ring in support of the 45th president. Budda Baker, Maxx Crosby, Roger Clemens, Nick Bosa, Don King and others quickly tweeted out their well wishes and thoughts.
You could feel the shift in the sports world as Donald Trump has once again captivated America. This all came to a head during the Republican National Convention's last night that was filled with stars from the sports world. John Nieporte, the head golf pro at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, spoke early in the evening. Then Dana White introduced him to the stage.
But, it was Hulk Hogan who won over the crowd as much as anyone in memory at a convention. Hogan ripped his shirt off, carried an American flag onto the stage and threatened any countries who tried to harm America. It had a very 1980's American pride feel and the country felt it as social media exploded with pictures of the Hulkster. Hogan exclaimed that he would be silent no longer after an assassin tried to kill his "hero".
The sports world and Donald Trump have had a bumpy few years. From the kneeling incidents, the Trump hat in Brady's locker and many stars vilifying the ex-president to now the outpouring of support the sports world seems to be mimicking all of America. Donald Trump has won them over, and many hope he wins in November.