Former MSNBC host Joy Reid has announced she is no longer a fan of the New York Giants after the team's quarterback, Jaxson Dart, enthusiastically praised President Donald Trump at a campaign rally. Reid expressed her disgust during an appearance on a podcast, criticizing Dart's choice of words and his political alignment.
Reid's Reaction to Dart's Remarks
Speaking on a podcast with host Jack Cocchiarella, Reid said, "As somebody who grew up as a Giants fan, I was repulsed by Jaxson Dart." Dart, who had a promising rookie season despite the Giants' poor performance, introduced Trump at the rally by saying, "What an honor, what a privilege it is to be here. And without further ado, I'm grateful, I'm honored, I'm pleasured to introduce the 45th and 47th president of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump."
Reid took issue with Dart's phrasing, particularly his use of the word "pleasured." She said, "First of all, he didn't say he was happy. He said he was 'pleasured' to meet the president. Like, what does that even mean? First of all, he's an idiot, OK? What do you mean you're pleasured to meet the president? Like, is English your first language? What are you saying?"
Dart's Defense and Reid's Response
Dart later explained that he was simply showing respect for the president, regardless of political party, and considered it an honor. However, Reid rejected this justification. "I was really kind of repulsed as a Giants fan — former now," she stated. "Because the reality is Donald Trump is not a normal president. This isn't praising the presidency or praising the idea of America or an American president. Donald Trump is not an American president. Donald Trump is a wannabe king."
Teammate's Opposition
Reid is not the only one critical of Dart's actions. Joy Behar, host of "The View," recently labeled Dart "racist" for appearing with Trump. While Dart and some teammates presented a united front, linebacker Abdul Carter voiced his opposition online and did not back down. Carter said, "So first off, I want to say that some things are bigger than football, and this is one of those things. Jaxson is one of our leaders. He's the face of our franchise. He not only represents himself in what he does but he represents all of us. And that goes for anybody who wears a Giants uniform. But if he chooses to align himself with a man like President Trump, it's my responsibility based on what I believe and what I stand on to not only show my teammates that I'm against that but to show the world."
