ESPN Radio Host Calls USA Men’s Hockey ‘Sad Little Pawns’ at Trump’s State of the Union

February 25, 2026
2:05 pm

▶

Listen to Article

Imagine the scene: the entire U.S. Men's Hockey team, fresh off their gold-medal glory at the World Juniors, beaming with patriotic pride in the House chamber during President Trump's State of the Union address. These young athletes, representing the best of American grit and teamwork, are soaking in the moment—flags waving, crowd roaring. But leave it to an ESPN radio host to sour the vibe, sneering that they looked like sad little pawns. What a bizarre, joyless take from a sports outlet that's increasingly allergic to anything red, white, and blue. It's as if displaying unfiltered American exceptionalism triggers some elite media reflex to belittle it, turning heroes into hapless props. This isn't just petty snark; it's a microcosm of the cultural war on patriotism that bleeds into every arena, including our Second Amendment battles. Think about it—these hockey kids, many from heartland states where hockey rinks double as proving grounds for self-reliance and marksmanship (hello, slap shots and shotgun seasons), embody the very spirit 2A defenders champion: young Americans unapologetically proud of their country, trained in discipline, and ready to defend it. Dismissing them as pawns echoes the same elitist disdain gun-grabbers hurl at law-abiding rifle owners—bitter clingers or insurrectionists. ESPN's host isn't just hating on a feel-good moment; he's signaling to the progressive peanut gallery that celebrating national pride is suspect, much like praising the armed citizenry that secures our freedoms. For the 2A community, the implication is clear: when media mocks wholesome patriotism, it's a warning shot. These players' grins are a reminder that the next generation gets it—they're not pawns, they're patriots who'll grow into voters, coaches, and yes, defenders of the right to keep and bear arms. As Trump rallies the nation around strength and sovereignty, stories like this steel our resolve. Support these kids, cheer their wins, and push back against the narrative that equates American pride with pawnage. The ice is ours—let's keep skating.

Best FFL Software Ranked and Compared!

Imagine the scene: the entire U.S. Men’s Hockey team, fresh off their gold-medal glory at the World Juniors, beaming with patriotic pride in the House chamber during President Trump’s State of the Union address. These young athletes, representing the best of American grit and teamwork, are soaking in the moment—flags waving, crowd roaring. But leave it to an ESPN radio host to sour the vibe, sneering that they looked like sad little pawns. What a bizarre, joyless take from a sports outlet that’s increasingly allergic to anything red, white, and blue. It’s as if displaying unfiltered American exceptionalism triggers some elite media reflex to belittle it, turning heroes into hapless props.

This isn’t just petty snark; it’s a microcosm of the cultural war on patriotism that bleeds into every arena, including our Second Amendment battles. Think about it—these hockey kids, many from heartland states where hockey rinks double as proving grounds for self-reliance and marksmanship (hello, slap shots and shotgun seasons), embody the very spirit 2A defenders champion: young Americans unapologetically proud of their country, trained in discipline, and ready to defend it. Dismissing them as pawns echoes the same elitist disdain gun-grabbers hurl at law-abiding rifle owners—bitter clingers or insurrectionists. ESPN’s host isn’t just hating on a feel-good moment; he’s signaling to the progressive peanut gallery that celebrating national pride is suspect, much like praising the armed citizenry that secures our freedoms.

For the 2A community, the implication is clear: when media mocks wholesome patriotism, it’s a warning shot. These players’ grins are a reminder that the next generation gets it—they’re not pawns, they’re patriots who’ll grow into voters, coaches, and yes, defenders of the right to keep and bear arms. As Trump rallies the nation around strength and sovereignty, stories like this steel our resolve. Support these kids, cheer their wins, and push back against the narrative that equates American pride with pawnage. The ice is ours—let’s keep skating.

Share this story