Yankees paying price for Donald Trump ties? Ex-star reveals backlash

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Former MLB star Johnny Damon, a two-time World Series champion best known for his tenure with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, has opened up about the criticism he has faced over his long-standing friendship with former President Donald Trump. In a candid conversation with Fox News Digital, Damon shared his experiences navigating public perception amid his personal and political associations.

“Unfortunately, whenever you say you’re friends with Donald Trump, we have a lot of people who just can not understand that,” he said. “I’m going to continue to be friends with him,” Damon said. “And I support my friends through the thick and thin, the good and the bad, so that’s who I am and that’s who I’m going to continue to be.”

Damon first met Trump during his time playing for the Yankees, after making the highly publicized switch from the Boston Red Sox in December 2005. Their introduction came through the Yankees organization, with Trump extending an invitation for a golf game at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Damon, accompanied by former New York Mets captain David Wright, hit the greens with Trump, a prominent New York City businessman at the time.

Trump’s affinity for the Yankees was well known, and upon learning of Damon’s move to New York, he encouraged the athlete to settle into one of his properties. However, Damon had already secured a residence in the Bloomberg Building, a decision that didn’t affect their budding friendship.

Their relationship extended beyond sports. Damon appeared on the seventh season of Trump’s reality TV show, Celebrity Apprentice, in 2015. Despite being fired after writing an underwhelming product jingle, Damon and Trump maintained a close friendship.

As Trump transitioned from business mogul to presidential candidate, Damon openly supported him. His endorsement during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign sparked considerable backlash, particularly from left-leaning baseball fans. Social media platforms buzzed with sharp criticism, with some fans expressing regret over once admiring the baseball star.

“I disowned him when he sold his soul to the devil (Go Sox). Is there a way to double-disown him?” a fan wrote. “Stupid is as stupid does. No one said he was smart,” another added.

Ex-Yankees star’s political aspirations following Trump ties

Damon’s public support for Trump intensified following the election. He even spoke at a Trump rally in Orlando in November 2016, further drawing ire from critics.

His loyalty to Trump seemed to pay off when he was appointed to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition in December 2020. He joined sports icons such as Yankees legend Mariano Rivera, former Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer, UFC fighter Colby Covington, and NFL Hall of Famer Troy Vincent.

Damon’s political ambitions, however, hit a significant roadblock in February 2021 when he was arrested in Florida for DUI. Bodycam footage from the arrest showed a visibly intoxicated Damon asserting that he was being targeted for his political beliefs. “Hey, bro, I’m a good f—ing guy. I know people are trying to target me because I’m a Trump supporter,” Damon told the arresting officer, who dismissed the claim.

Police records indicated Damon’s blood-alcohol level was 0.30%, over three times the legal limit in Florida. He was charged with DUI and resisting arrest without violence, while his wife, Michelle Mangan-Damon, faced charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence.

Despite the incident, Damon maintains that his arrest was politically motivated. “I was getting ready to run for politics, thinking about it seriously, and then I get pulled over,” he said, adding that he disagreed with the breathalyzer test results.

Acknowledging his mistake, Damon described his decision to drive that night as “stupid.” He has since redirected his focus toward philanthropy and raising his children, emphasizing personal growth and community service.

“I’ve faced challenges, but I’m committed to being a good person and making a positive impact,” he shared.

Damon’s Trump loyalty

Damon remains steadfast in his support for Trump, expressing optimism about his friend’s return to the political spotlight. “I’m glad that he’s back in office and that we have someone who’s going to answer questions and work to make America great again,” Damon asserted.

He also voiced disappointment in the previous administration’s policies, claiming that Trump has accomplished more despite not currently holding office. “He’s already done more than what President Biden has done in four years,” Damon argued.

While Damon’s outspoken views have made him a polarizing figure, he stands firm in his beliefs. “I support my friends through the thick and thin, the good and the bad,” he affirmed. “That’s who I am, and that’s who I’m going to continue to be.”

Despite the controversies, Damon’s loyalty to Trump remains unwavering. Whether through his past political aspirations or future endeavors, he continues to embrace his identity as both a sports icon and a politically vocal public figure.

For Johnny Damon, friendship and loyalty aren’t dictated by public opinion—a stance that has defined his journey long after his storied baseball career came to an end.

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