In the middle of a heated presidential election as well as a National League Championship Series, Adrian Gonzalez made a statement by refusing to stay in Donald Trump’s hotel.
Earlier this season, the Los Angeles Dodgers stayed at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in a series against the Chicago Cubs. That trip was back in late May and when the Dodgers returned to Chicago for the NLCS, they chose a different location.
During their four-game series against the Cubs back in May, most of the Dodgers players stayed at Trump’s hotel. Star first baseman, Adrian Gonzalez, had the organization find him different accommodations.
“I didn’t stay there,” Gonzalez told the Southern California News Group. “I had my reasons.”
The left handed slugger hit a game-winning solo home run in Game 2 of the NLCS and was asked about his reasons for refusing to stay at Trump’s hotel back in May. He responded by stating, “We’re here to play baseball not talk politics.”
Gonzalez was born in San Diego, California but spent his early childhood in Tijuana, Mexico, where his father owns an air-conditioning business. He is also a regular player for the Mexican National team.
Throughout his Presidential campaign, Donal Trump has promised to build a wall on the Mexican border. He has also spoken against Mexican immigrants and their presence in the United States. “They’re bringing drugs,” Trump said of Mexican immigrants. “They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”
The Trump International Hotel and Tower requires a deposit to hold hotel rooms. But, the Dodgers didn’t know they would be traveling to Chicago until after their victory against the Washington Nationals last Thursday. Fortunately for Adrian Gonzalez, the entire Dodgers team decided to choose a different location.