President Donald Trump has claimed that Fernando Mendoza, the number one NFL draft pick, is a “big fan” of his administration, even though the quarterback did not join his former Indiana University teammates at the White House on Monday to celebrate their national championship.
Mendoza, drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, reportedly called the president to apologise for his absence. Trump said: “He was so nice. He called because actually… he’s a big fan of ours. You wouldn’t believe it because he didn’t show up. I’m not happy, but that’s OK. The reason he didn’t is because he’s at spring training, right?”
The Raiders confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Mendoza was at the team’s facility in Henderson on Monday for preseason preparations. The Heisman Trophy winner had previously acknowledged he would miss the White House event due to his rookie obligations with the Raiders.
“I’m on the bottom of the totem pole here,” Mendoza told reporters last week. “I’ve got to prove myself. I can’t miss practice. As a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look, and I want to best serve my teammates.”
According to The Athletic, multiple Indiana players missed the White House visit because of NFL commitments. Indiana sent a record eight players to the league this year, with Mendoza being one of four Hoosiers now with the Raiders. Trump had previously met Mendoza at the national championship game in January, where the quarterback led Indiana to their first title.
