ESPN Flees Donald Trump Golf Course in ESPYs Tournament Move
“Diversity and inclusion are core values at ESPN and our decision also supports that commitment,” the network said
Kathy Zerbib | July 6, 2015 @ 3:21 PM
Last Updated: July 6, 2015 @ 3:23 PM
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ESPN is the latest company to distance itself from Donald Trump.
The network will move its ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic on July 14 from Trump National Golf Club to Pelican Hill Golf Club, it announced on Monday.
During his presidential launch speech, the real estate mogul referred to Mexican immigrants as “rapists” who bring crime and drugs into the United States, sparking a firestorm of backlash. ESPN’s event will benefit cancer research for minority populations including Hispanics, prompting the company to rethink the suitability of Trump’s location for such a cause.
ESPN’s move follows that of a number of other companies who have opted to cut professional ties with the Donald. NBC, Macy’s, Univision, NASCAR and Serta mattresses have all pulled their business ventures with Trump.
Read the network’s full statement below:
“We decided it was appropriate to change the venue, and are grateful for the opportunity to stage the event at Pelican Hill on short notice. This charity outing benefits The V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, providing resources for important cancer research for minority populations, including Hispanics and African Americans. Our decision reflects our deep feelings for our former colleague and support for inclusion of all sports fans. Diversity and inclusion are core values at ESPN and our decision also supports that commitment.”
15 Times Donald Trump Courted Controversy (Photos)
The U.S. Justice Department accused Trump of not renting to minority tenants in 1973.
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Trump was accused of dooming the fledgling U.S. Football League in 1984 when he insisted it go head to head with the NFL with a fall game schedule.
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Trump sparked a feud with Rosie O'Donnell in 2006, calling the comedian "disgusting" and "a slob," among other things
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In September 2010, Trump accused the imam of a proposed mosque near NYC's Ground Zero of using religion to bargain for a better real estate price.
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Joining the dubious "birther" movement, Trump fought to get President Obama to release his long-form birth certificate in April 2011.
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Trump earned the ire of environmentalists when he unveiled plans for a massive golf course in Scotland in July 2012.
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Trump upset gay rights groups when he compared gay marriage to golf in February 2013.
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In August 2013 Trump was the subject of a civil suit for allegedly false promises made to students of his Trump University.
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A new waterfront Chicago skyscraper opened in 2014 despite widespread complaints about the 20-foot-high sign bearing his name.
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Trump began a feud with Russell Brand after seeing the British comedian on a talk show and disliking what he saw.
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Trump minced no words when he tweeted about the "thugs" rioting in Baltimore in April 2015 following the death of an African American man in police custody.
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Announcing his bid for the GOP nomination in June 2015, Trump set off a media firestorm when he called Mexican immigrants criminals and "rapists."
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Trump reportedly paid actors $50 a head to attend his presidential announcement speech in June 2015.
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Billionaire’s recent public image problems are latest in long line of troubles
The U.S. Justice Department accused Trump of not renting to minority tenants in 1973.