Former Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart walked back his criticism of President Donald Trump after initially blasting the president’s plan to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Last week, the former All-Star said on social media he would "no longer support" Trump if the U.S. entered a war involving Iran and Israel. But after the president announced a ceasefire had been reached, Cozart changed his tune.
“I’ll gladly eat my words for what has transpired today… lesson learned to trust the man,” Cozart posted on X.
He wasn’t alone. Others in the sports world praised Trump’s handling of the tense standoff with Iran. Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl went so far as to suggest Trump deserved international recognition.
“This is what a peace maker and the leader of the free world does, he steps in when both sides can't agree and he gives them an offer they can't refuse,” Pearl wrote. “He should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I pray that all sides can offer some grace and keep the peace.”
Meanwhile, Trump headed to a NATO summit Tuesday as the ceasefire remained fragile. He didn’t hold back when asked about the situation.
“I’m not happy with Israel,” Trump said. “You know, when I say, okay, now you have 12 hours, you don't go out in the first hour and just drop everything you have on them. So I’m not happy with them. I’m not happy with Iran either, but I’m really unhappy if Israel is going out this morning.”
“We basically have two countries that have been fighting for so long and so hard that they don't know what the f--- they’re doing,” he added.