JD Vance receives cold shoulder from Cincinnati Bengals during locker-room visit
Vice President JD Vance waited outside the Cincinnati Bengals locker room but was largely ignored by players, with only tight end Drew Sample offering a brief greeting.
On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance positioned himself outside the Cincinnati Bengals’ locker room, anticipating a spontaneous greeting from the team. Except for tight end Drew Sample, who gave Vance’s son a fist bump and then shook Vance’s hand, the players ignored his presence. The awkward moment echoed a prior incident in which FBI Director Kash Patel was filmed drinking beer inside the U.S. men’s hockey team’s locker room after their Olympic victory in Milan, sparking public criticism.
After it became clear that no further interaction would occur, Vance departed with his entourage. The episode unfolded amid a broader backlash against Vance for defending a television ad for Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy that featured Dr. Amy Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur. Critics questioned Vance’s priorities, suggesting he should focus on national duties rather than seeking sports celebrity approval.
Why it matters
The snub highlights the tension between political figures seeking public goodwill and sports teams’ reluctance to engage in political optics.
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