A lavish Hamptons fundraiser for Donald Trump, being held Friday, is causing more controversy than usual because of its host. The Washington Post says the “fundraiser could be the latest flashpoint between NFL players and owners.” Billionaire Stephen Ross is hosting the event where tickets are going for upwards of $250,000. Problem is Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is trying to play it both ways. He is hosting an event for someone who is known for race-baiting, someone who has been called a racist himself, and yet Ross runs a charity called “Rise.” It’s described as a “nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations.”
Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills is one of the players speaking out against Ross.
News & Guts obtained this statement from Stephen Ross:
“I always have been an active participant in the democratic process. While some prefer to sit outside of the process and criticize, I prefer to engage directly and support the things I deeply care about. I have known Donald Trump for 40 years, and while we agree on some issues, we strongly disagree on many others and I have never been bashful about expressing my opinions.
I started my business with nothing and a reason for my engagement with our leaders is my deep concern for creating jobs and growing our country’s economy. I have been, and will continue to be, an outspoken champion of racial equality, inclusion, diversity, public education and environmental sustainability, and I have and will continue to support leaders on both sides of the aisle to address these challenges.”
That statement is doing little to quell the complaints coming from Equinox patrons and Soul Cycle loyalists, many of whom are threatening to boycott the facilities. The fitness companies issued statements distancing themselves from Ross, but there is no denying Ross is very much intertwined with both of those companies as well.
A Miami resident who attends several Soul Cycle classes a week (she’s attended more than 700 classes in all) told us, “I need to take a stand for what I believe in. And refuse to participate in that which I find to be morally abhorrent. The thought of any profit going to that clown and/or any jackass who supports him ravages my soul.”
