Bomani Jones criticizes Giants QB Jaxson Dart for introducing Trump at rally

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart drew criticism from some sports media figures after he introduced President Donald Trump at a recent rally.

Former ESPN commentator Bomani Jones addressed the appearance on his show "The Right Time with Bomani Jones." Jones said the notion that fans ignore athletes' politics is false and that Dart's support for Trump would be noticed.

"This idea that we don't care about the politics of athletes...yes, we do," Jones said. "Now, whether you care enough about the politics that it affects whether or not you root for them on your team, that becomes a different situation and that becomes just a little bit tricky. Like, will you, if you are a Giants fan, will you stop rooting for the Giants because Jaxson Dart is a Trumper? Probably not. But don't tell me you don't care."

Jones said he did not expect the episode to divide the Giants locker room. He noted that many NFL players of different backgrounds support Trump.

"What struck me about this — and I also want to be clear about this — the whole 'this is going to fracture the locker room' thing. NFL locker rooms are wild, segregated, and full of white players who support Trump and black players who support Trump. Okay, that is no revolutionary rule. That's not how the NFL works."

Jones also said Dart should drop his support for Trump. "Take that monkey s--- off. You embarrassing us," he said. Jones added that Trump is different from other politicians and that standing with him draws stronger reactions than support for candidates such as Curtis Sliwa.

Giants defensive end Abdul Carter had already voiced disagreement with Dart's appearance. Jones said he would not criticize a player for appearing with Kamala Harris.