Tuesday, July 7, 2015

ESPN Drops Donald Trump Golf Course

The latest big-name company to cut off ties with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is ESPN.

Business Insider reports the network announced on Monday that it was moving its July 14 Celebrity Golf Classic from Trump's National Golf Club. The shift comes after Trump's comments at his presidential launch speech, in which he labeled some Mexican immigrants "rapists" and drug-runners.

Proceeds from the Celebrity Golf Classic are donated to the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, which provides medical research funds for minority populations. In its statement, ESPN suggested it wouldn't be appropriate to keep the tournament at Trump's course.

"Our decision reflects our deep feelings for our former colleague and support for inclusion of all sports fans," the network said of Scott, who died in January after a long battle with cancer. "Diversity and inclusion are core values at ESPN and our decision also supports that commitment."

Last month, the Republican presidential candidate ignited a firestorm of criticism after broadly accusing Mexican immigrants of rape and criminal activity.

Trump has refused to back down from his comments, though he admitted to Fox News that his presidential bid is "bad for my brand."

Donald Trump
Most polls put Trump close to the top of the Republican presidential field, though many top pollsters suggest that his popularity is likely inflated by his high name recognition.

Meanwhile, Trump is doubling down on his description of Mexican immigrants as criminals.

CBS News reports the Donald issued a statement Monday responding to critics in and out of his party. Trump called Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists as he launched his presidential bid last month.

In his new statement, Trump reposted his original comments and asked, "What can be simpler or more accurately stated? The Mexican Government is forcing their most unwanted people into the United States. They are, in many cases, criminals, drug dealers, rapists, etc."

He added, "[M]any fabulous people come in from Mexico and our country is better for it." He then called the United States "a dumping ground for Mexico" and warns that "tremendous infectious disease is pouring across the border."

No comments:

Post a Comment