‘I’m heartbroken’ to ‘Nobody deserves this more’”: Athletes deliver mixed reactions to Donald Trump presidential victory

Former NASCAR driver and Scottsdale resident Danica Patrick was among the athletes that campaigned for Donald Trump, including at this rally Sunday in Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

PHOENIX – Social media has served as a powerful conduit for athletes to share their political beliefs. That was never more evident than after Tuesday’s presidential election.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić, who is from Bosnia-Herzegovina, spoke to reporters Wednesday about athletes using their social media platforms, while others used theirs to share strong opinions after Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the election to Donald Trump.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese posted on X several times Wednesday. “As a woman, i’m heartbroken for us all…” and “I’m so disappointed in America….Some of you just couldn’t selfishly put your pride aside huh??!?!?”

Meanwhile, former Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowlers Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell have remained outspoken supporters of former President Trump. The teammates both attended and spoke at a Trump rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in October, with Brown posting Wednesday that “I’m happy to be a part of it.” Bell wrote that he “couldn’t wait for this moment.”

Additionally, former NASCAR driver and Scottsdale resident Danica Patrick campaigned for Trump, including Sunday in battleground state Pennsylvania.

Athletes have been especially vocal about politics since the summer of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was the dominating storyline and police brutality was one of the top discussions in American news. LeBron James, arguably the game’s greatest player, founded the nonprofit “More Than A Vote” in summer 2020 – just months after two cases of police brutality became the center of the public’s attention.

James endorsed Democratic nominee Harris before the election. With Trump’s comeback victory official, James posted a photo with his daughter, Zhuri, to Instagram. “HEAVY ON MY HEART AND MIND THIS AM MY PRINCESS !! PROMISE TO PROTECT YOU WITH EVERYTHING I HAVE AND MORE!! WE DONT NEED THEIR HELP!”

The public response from athletes showcases a stark difference from six years ago, when Fox News host Laura Ingraham told James to, “shut up and dribble.”

The NBA has taken Election Day off since 2022 to encourage active participation in elections.

The Suns’ Nurkić spoke to media members during shootaround Wednesday, explaining the importance of being able to vote.

“I do feel like it’s (a) great honor and luxury to have that right to tell people to go to vote, but a lot of people disagree why people (are) saying, ‘Vote for this guy, or vote for this,’” Nurkić said. “That’s a choice people need to make by their own.”

Nurkić promoted voting on his X account on Election Day, as well.

Other sport figures around the country also made their voices heard about the election.

Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, joined Trump on stage at his victory rally early Wednesday morning. Trump’s speech lasted about 25 minutes, with White speaking for a few minutes.

“Nobody deserves this more than him, and nobody deserves this more than his family does,” White said. “This is what happens when the machine comes after you.”

Bryson DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open winner and nine-time PGA Tour winner, tweeted out two American flags Wednesday morning.

On the other hand, two-time Super Bowl champion wide receiver Torrey Smith posted a different emotion on X.

“I’m disappointed in our country. The standard to be a leader has hit the floor. Hate has inspired so many people. Lies and fear won. Can’t spend all day complaining though. Let’s see what change will come. There are no excuses. He has all of the power.”

Diamondbacks rookie infielder Blaze Alexander responded positively to the Y C results. He reacted with an eyes emoji alongside the American flag. Additionally, he reposted a Joe Rogan tweet reacting to Trump taking the stage last night at his headquarters.

Diamondbacks reliever Ryan Thompson posted several times on X on Election Day, simply asking people to do their civic duty.

“Maricopa… you matter A LOT! Please vote!!” Thompson said Tuesday afternoon, before the first election returns began to come in.