Ryan Clark Says Trump Backing Is More Polarizing Than Obama Support After Jaxson Dart Rally
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 29
Ryan Clark Says Trump Backing Is More Polarizing Than Obama Support After Jaxson Dart Rally
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 29
Ryan Clark said Jaxson Dart’s introduction of Donald Trump cannot be compared with athletes backing Barack Obama, arguing support for Trump in 2026 is far more polarizing than it was in 2008 or 2012.
On his podcast, Clark said Trump has "picked a side" and that standing beside him signals opposition to most of an NFL locker room, though he added Abdul Carter should have handled his criticism differently.
Clay Travis pushed back on X, citing roughly 1 in 4 Black male support for Trump and arguing sports media unfairly attacked Dart despite Trump’s broader backing among male voters, coaches and owners.
The dispute extends a backlash over Dart’s May 22 appearance with Trump at a New York rally, turning a brief athlete-political moment into a wider fight over media double standards and polarization in sports.
Does the public demand for apolitical athletes create a double standard compared to other celebrities encouraged to use their platforms for civic engagement?
What are the career risks and rewards for a young athlete who publicly engages in politics in today's highly polarized environment?
How can NFL teams maintain unity when a star player's public political actions cause division among teammates and the fan base?