Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could speak on behalf of Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention.
Trump said in a speech on Friday night that he may ask sports stars who support him -- including Brady, Roethlisberger, Hall of Fame basketball coach Bob Knight, NASCAR chief Brian France and UFC President Dana White -- to speak on his behalf.
“We’re going to do it a little different, if it’s OK,” Trump said, via the New York Times. “I’m thinking about getting some of the great sports people who like me a lot.”
Brady and Roethlisberger are both winners, which Trump likes, but they would both come with baggage: Brady is currently fighting a four-game suspension after the NFL said he cheated by playing with deflated footballs. Roethlisberger has twice been accused of sexual assault. He was not arrested or charged in either case, but after the second accusation the NFL suspended him for four games. If Brady and Roethlisberger actively campaign for Trump, you can bet Democrats will bring those issues up.
In the end, it seems unlikely that either Brady or Roethlisberger would agree to Trump’s request. Few athletes who receive significant endorsement income want to be associated with partisan politics, and so while Brady and Roethlisberger may both support Trump, it would be a major surprise if either shows up at the GOP Convention.