Donald Trump will be minus at least one NFL quarterback at the upcoming GOP convention. Ben Roethlisberger made it clear Saturday he does not endorse the Republican presidential candidate and that he will not be attending the event to speak on Trump’s behalf.
Speaking at a large rally Friday night in Virginia, Trump told the crowd that he was thinking about inviting the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback to the convention in Cleveland, Ohio next month. He also mentioned New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, among a larger group of sports stars who are “winners.”
When Roethlisberger was asked about this on Saturday, he left no room for interpretation, per Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Roethlisberger told me he will not attend the Republican convention and will nor endorse nor speak for the candidate.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) June 11, 2016
Big Ben called Trump an “acquaintance,” per Bouchette, noting they they have golfed together and that Trump has called him to congratulate him at times after games.
It’s highly unlikely Brady will be attending the convention, either. He’s currently up to his eyeballs preparing for the upcoming NFL season, not to mention the upcoming legal battle to appeal his four-game suspension.
Of course, maybe Brady will carve out a few hours, given his friendship with Trump. Stranger things have happened.