president, said he had not talked with the White House since April. But since the Big Ten’s chancellors and presidents voted not to proceed with the season as originally planned, Warren has faced swelling pressure from within his league and politicians beyond it. Trump took interest in the season’s viability the day before the Big Ten’s decision, retweeting a post by Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence in support of the athlete-driven #WeWantToPlay movement. The Big Ten’s move left Trump aides bombarded with requests for White House intervention. Late last month, Pataki contacted Warren and asked whether he would be willing to speak with the president.

Source: New York Times September 12, 2020 09:00 UTC