Raiders Stars Pose with Trump in Las Vegas Ahead of Season Opener

Las Vegas Raiders players Maxx Crosby, Gardner Minshew and Alex Bachman were pictured with former US President Donald Trump in Las Vegas on Friday.

The photograph, posted on X by The Daily Caller's Henry Rodgers, shows the three athletes standing alongside Trump in a furnished room. The encounter took place during Trump's visit to Nevada for a campaign event, where he promoted his "no tax on tips" policy and thanked former 2024 rival Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his endorsement.

Crosby, a defensive end and one of the Raiders' most prominent players, expressed his support for Trump on X following an assassination attempt on the former president in July. Minshew, who joined the Raiders this offseason and has been named the team's starting quarterback, and Bachman, a former New York Giant vying for a spot on the active roster, were also present for the photo.

Trump's visit to Nevada comes as he holds a lead in the state's polls for the 2024 presidential election, despite Nevada voting for a Democrat in every presidential election since 2008.

Trump's business interests have long been prominent in Las Vegas. In 2008, Trump International Hotel Las Vegas opened, becoming the tallest building in the city. Trump partnered with casino owner Phil Ruffin on the 1,282-room, non-gaming project, and the developers have reported over $400 million in unit sales since its opening.

The Raiders are scheduled to kick off their season on 8 September in Los Angeles against their division rivals, the Chargers.

The photograph of the Raiders players with Trump has sparked conversation online, with some fans expressing their support for the players' choice to meet with the former president, while others have criticised their decision.

Regardless of individual opinions, the encounter highlights the continued presence of Trump in the public sphere, even as he prepares for the upcoming presidential election.