Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Trump Defends Sanders After Snub: ‘What Is Wrong With NFL Owners?’

The president expressed support for the former Colorado quarterback after he wasn’t drafted in the first round.

Leah Millis-Imagn Images

One of the most surprising snubs of the first round of the NFL Draft has found a new critic in President Donald Trump.

Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social in support of Shedeur Sanders, who went undrafted Thursday night despite drawing interest from several teams. Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, played for his father at Colorado, and his Buffaloes teammate Travis Hunter went No. 2 overall to the Jaguars.

“What is wrong with NFL owners, are they STUPID?” Trump posted shortly before the second round began Friday. “Deion Sanders was a great college football player, and was even greater in the NFL. He’s also a very good coach, streetwise and smart! Therefore, Shedeur, his quarterback son, has PHENOMENAL GENES, and is all set for Greatness. He should be ‘picked’ IMMEDIATELY by a team that wants to WIN. Good luck Shedeur, and say hello to your wonderful father!”

Based on the timing of his social media posts, the president either sent the message from the skies or fired it off shortly after he arrived in Italy for the funeral of Pope Francis. He posted about Sanders shortly before sharing two messages that he landed in Italy, along with a video stepping off the plane.

All of these posts came just hours before ESPN began its second- and third-round coverage of the draft. Reports before the draft began suggested it was unclear when Sanders might be picked, and it could be as late as the third round.

While he was still coaching at Jackson State, Deion Sanders wrote a letter to the Trump White House in support of pardoning rapper Lil Wayne. The younger Sanders brother, Shilo, made comments about Trump earlier this year when talking about internet critics. “If you just hate me, or you want to hate me…paint me in a bad picture, they do that to our president, they do that to everybody.”

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Comcast’s NBC Universal Split Could Give the NFL More Leverage

The forthcoming split will reverberate throughout the entire media business.

Supreme Court Upholds Trans Athlete Ban

The court issued a consolidated opinion on two trans athlete cases.

Josh Childress: Women’s Sports Attracting ‘New Pool of Capital’

The former NBA player also weighed in on expansion and Stanford athletics.

Paraguay Sends Germany Home in Biggest World Cup Stunner So Far

Paraguay will now win at least $15 million at the World Cup.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

6/30/26 – Comcast Splits in Two, NBA Gambling Probe Grows, NBA Free Agency Opens, Serena Returns at Wimbledon

0:00

Featured Today

June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.
June 25, 2026

Italian Americans Have Severe World Cup FOMO

Bars and restaurants in Boston, Philly, and beyond are missing the Azzurri.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) celebrates a three-point basket Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77
June 24, 2026

Female Athletes Are Trying to Build the ‘Athleisure of Beauty’

“Performance cosmetics” have emerged alongside the women’s sports boom.
June 18, 2026

Why U.S. Open Host Sites Are on a 25-Year Plan

The U.S. Open has already picked out 22 future sites through 2051.
Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May looks on during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Dusty May Believes NIL Era Experience Will Aid NBA Transition

May is the future college coach to make the jump since 2019.
June 29, 2026

NBA Set for Summer of Chaos: LeBron, Kawhi, Gambling

Kawhi Leonard is the latest star on the trade block.
Jun 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (17) congratulates infielder Jackson Holliday (7) at home plate after Holliday hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
June 29, 2026

Underperforming Teams Make for Uncertain Trade Market

Many clubs don’t yet know whether they will be buyers or sellers.
Sponsored

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
June 28, 2026

After NFL and CFL Say No, UFL May Be Sorsby’s Best Option

The UFL appeared to confirm Sorsby would be eligible.
Jun 24, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Norway national soccer team fans show support accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Met during the MLB game between the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field.
June 26, 2026

World Cup Fans Are Taking Over MLB Stadiums

About 8,000 Scottish fans attended the Marlins game Monday night.
Apr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) secures a rebound during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
June 26, 2026

Knicks Face Second Apron Squeeze After Title

Mitchell Robinson has likely played his final game for the Knicks.
Feb 24, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Angels A general view of the MLB logo and first base during the first inning of a spring training game between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
June 26, 2026

MLBPA: Owners’ Aggressive Labor Proposals Unite Players

The union has decried the perceived attack on “player choice.”