Hi, we're rabid Patriots fan Bill Kole and diehard Texans supporter Russell Contreras, and there's something we need to make clear right at the top: We love each other. We just don't like one another that much.
Why it matters: Russell, a former Texas native who covers race and religion for Axios, is a long-suffering Houston fan. Bill, an Axios copy editor, grew up in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where New England fandom is in the drinking water, or it's the law, or both.
The White House has described President Trump "as the greatest champion for sports of any president in American history" — and from his plan to hold a UFC fight at the White House and his second-term appearances at various high-profile sportingevents, there's no denying he's a fan.
Why it matters: While the president and MAGA have championed some sports and certain stars, he also has a history of attempting to referee the playing field from the sidelines.
