President Donald Trump has praised two African-American athletes – Tiger Woods and Jim Brown – after they recently defended him in public.
Woods, a friend and sometime golf partner of Trump, called Sunday for respect for the office of the president.
The resurgent Woods – who has not won a tournament since 2013, but finished second at the PGA Championship last week – had been asked a question that referenced Trump’s controversial immigration policies.
Asked how he’d respond to people who are intrigued by his ‘friendly relationship’ with Trump, Woods told reporters: ‘He’s the president of the United States and you have to respect the office.
‘And no matter who’s in the office, you may like, dislike personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office.’
Trump responded Monday by praising Woods and criticizing journalists.
An avid golfer, President Donald Trump owns many golf courses and resorts, both in the United States and abroad. PGA legend Tiger Woods has won several tournaments at the Trump National Doral resort in Miami
The President praised Woods for sidestepping questions about Trump’s immigration policy
‘The Fake News Media worked hard to get Tiger Woods to say something that he didn’t want to say. Tiger wouldn’t play the game – he is very smart. More importantly, he is playing great golf again!’ Trump said on Twitter.
The president also expressed gratitude to former NFL player Jim Brown, who defended Trump after the Hall of Famer was asked if he is concerned with the message coming from the White House against the league.
‘I should be criticizing Trump on every level because he does certain things that call for criticism,’ Brown said last week during an appearance on ‘The JT The Brick Show’ on Fox Sports Radio.
‘But when I look at television and I see all of these announcers become experts and they’re pointing their fingers, and they’re not doing a doggone thing but pointing their fingers, I find myself really pulling for the president.’
The president also expressed gratitude to former NFL player Jim Brown (pictured), who defended Trump
Trump tweeted Monday: ‘Thank you to the great @JimBrownNFL32, perhaps the greatest running back of all time, for your wonderful words and support’
Brown acknowledged that his comment ‘will make me very unpopular in the black community, very unpopular with a lot of Americans. But I think there are certain good things that are coming out of this presidency because we’ve never seen anything like it.’
Trump tweeted Monday: ‘Thank you to the great @JimBrownNFL32, perhaps the greatest running back of all time, for your wonderful words and support.
‘Since our meeting in New York, African-American UNEMPLOYMENT has reached the LOWEST LEVEL IN HISTORY. You get it!’
The connection between Brown and African-American unemployment was unclear.
And, while black unemployment did hit a record low of 5.9 percent in May, the rate has since risen to 6.6 percent in July.
Trump and Brown met in New York after the 2016 presidential election.
Ivanka Trump, Tiger woods, Donald Trump and Eric Trump after the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at the Trump Doral Golf Resort & Spa in 2013
Trump’s public praise comes amid his continued disapproval of NFL players, most of them African-American, who kneel during the national anthem to protest police treatment of black men.
It also follows his recent criticism of NBA star LeBron James.
But just as he did with previous presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Woods has played golf with Trump on several occasions, and the two have stayed in touch since the latter’s inauguration.
‘Well, I’ve known Donald for a number of years,’ Woods said.
‘We’ve played golf together. We’ve had dinner together. I’ve known him pre-presidency and obviously during his presidency.’
Woods was also asked about racial relations in America, but he declined to give a response.
‘No,’ Woods said, ‘I just finished 72 holes and [I’m] really hungry.’
Woods was coming off an impressive runner-up finish at the PGA Championship, but struggled on Sunday before finishing with a 70 for the round, which left him 14 shots off the lead.
Bryson DeChambeau shot a 2-under 69 on Sunday to win his second tournament of the year. He finished 18-under overall.
Woods is not the only professional athlete to sidestep questions about his relationship with Trump.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has also played golf with Trump, and even went so far as to endorse his bid for presidency during the 2016 campaign. However, when asked in January of 2017 if he called to congratulate Trump on his victory, Brady balked: ‘Let’s talk about football.’
President George W. Bush visits with US Team player Tiger Woods during the Afternoon Four-Ball Matches for the 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club on September 29, 2012 in Illinois
Captain’s assistant Tiger Woods of the U.S. Team speaks to former U.S. President Barack Obama on the first tee during Thursday foursome matches of the Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club on September 28, 2017 in Jersey City, New Jersey
Trump has had a more contentious relationship with other athletes – namely NFL players who he has condemned for protesting inequality and police brutality by refusing to stand during the national anthem.
Former NBA MVP winners LeBron James and Stephen Curry have both exchanged criticisms with Trump through traditional and social media as well.
Donald Trump the 45th president of the United States talks to USA vice captain Tiger Woods after the final round of the Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club on September 30, 2017 in Jersey City
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr have also publicly criticized Trump for everything from his response to gun violence to claims that the President has used race to divide the country.
However, unlike James and Curry – both of whom Trump has called out by name, specifically disinviting them from a potential White House visit – the President has not mentioned Popovich or Kerr publicly.
Trump has received many endorsements from current and former athletes, including boxer-turned-promoter Floyd Mayweather Jr., former Buffalo Bills offensive guard Rickie Incognito, former NFL coach Mike Ditka, and current Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
An avid golfer, Trump owns and operates many golf courses and resorts, both in the United States and abroad.
In fact, Woods has won several tournaments at the Trump National Doral resort near Miami.
Barack Obama hosts the 2013 Presidents Cup team at the White House in 2013, including Tiger Woods, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem (far left) and US golfer Zack Johnson (near left)
Woods was coming off an impressive runner-up finish at the PGA Championship, but struggled on Sunday before finishing with a 70 for the round, which left him 14 shots off the lead
