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UFC president Dana White and other sports league leaders were tasked by Donald Trump to help restart the US economy.
The US economy is bearing the brunt of the global COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a general solution, President Donald Trump is tapping professional sports commissioners and team owners to be part of an advising panel to help the federal government in reopening the country amid the forced lockdowns.
Trump made the statement during a Rose Garden press conference on Tuesday.
#NEW: Donald Trump says Jerry Jones and Mark Cuban along with pro sports commissioners will be consulted about ending lockdowns. (@wfaa)
pic.twitter.com/APtW8W9H77— William Joy (@WilliamJoy) April 14, 2020
“In sports – we want to get our sports back, so importantly,” Trump said. “We have to get our sports back. I’m tired of watching baseball games that are 14 years old. But I haven’t actually had too much time to watch. I would say maybe I watch one batter and then I get back to work.
“The NBA, Adam Silver. The Major League Baseball – we miss our baseball, this is baseball season right here – Rob Manfred, thank you very much. NFL, Roger Goodell, thank you, Roger. UFC, Dana White. Great Dana White. PGA, Jay Monahan. LPGA, Michael Whan. USTA, Patrick Galbraith. Major League Soccer, Don Garber. WWE, the great Vince McMahon. NASCAR, Lesa Kennedy. NHL, Gary Bettman.
“From the New England Patriots, Bob Kraft, Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones, Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban.”
White has gone on record saying they will host multiple shows in Las Vegas in May, and maybe this backing helps Nevada allow them to push through as an “essential business” similar to WWE in Florida.
Trump already spoke to White and the other commissioners early this month, as he remains optimistic about resuming sporting events by late summer or early fall. But according to bioethicist — and brother of UFC owner — Zeke Emanuel, having large crowds attend such events should be held off until late 2021.