Trump says he wouldn't want his son playing football
President Trump has never been one to hold back his opinions about the NFL, but commissioner Roger Goodell will certainly not be too thrilled about the commander-in-chief's declaration on CBS' Face the Nation ahead of the Super Bowl. Trump told Margaret Brennan on Sunday that he wouldn't "steer" his 12-year-old son Barron toward the sport due to health and safety concerns.
"I just don't like the reports that I see coming out having to do with football," Trump said, adding that "the helmets have gotten far better but it hasn't solved the problem."
While Trump didn't name chronic traumatic encephalopathy specifically, it was clear he was referencing what is more commonly known as CTE, a condition that develops due to chronic blows to the head. An increasing number of people have grown critical of football due to the long-term damage the sport can have on its players.
"You know, I hate to say it because I love to watch football," Trump said. "I think the NFL is a great product, but I really think that as far as my son — well, I've heard NFL players saying they wouldn't let their sons play football. So it's not totally unique, but I — I would have a hard time with it." Read the full transcript at CBS News.