He asserts that direct presidential intervention to reverse an on-field sporting decision is an appalling attack on the integrity of sports.

“I just think on every level that is an appalling attack on the integrity of sport.”

He maintains that political and legal intervention in sports is common in the United States and that overturning a perceived incorrect refereeing decision is not inappropriate.

“It is not uncommon that is American football, not the NFL, American college football. Right now, as we speak, there are many different lawsuits pending all over the country about whether quarterbacks are going to be able to play for teams, about whether or not players are going to be eligible.”

He believes that the President of the United States acting as an advocate for the US national team is an example of strong leadership.

“THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED States of America is on team USA and he called and he did exactly what a real leader does. And if you don't like it, then maybe you need to elect another leader in your country.”

He argues that presidential intervention in sports decisions creates an unfair environment for other nations that do not have such support.

“Lots of bad calls are made and if Donald Trump's the only person who jumps in and intervenes, then that still creates an unlevel playing field for when a bad call is made against Sweden or Morocco or Ghana or against England or Croatia.”