Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull became the "second world leader to congratulate" U.S. President-elect Donald Trump after Golf HOFer Greg Norman "passed on his private mobile number and helped facilitate the phone call," according to Sharri Markson of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. Within hours of Trump’s win last week, Australia’s U.S. Ambassador Joe Hockey had contacted Norman "asking him" for Trump's mobile number for Turnbull. Norman, who has been friends with Trump "for a decade and has played golf with him many times, obliged and helped facilitate the call between the two world leaders" (Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH, 11/16). Norman in a special to NEWSWEEK wrote he has spoken to Trump on "numerous occasions since the election" and thinks Trump will "surprise many with what he will do with the presidency, but not himself." Norman: "He has a clear vision. I believe he will fill a cabinet with quality, experienced, doers that are like-minded yet strong enough to redirect him if they so believe." Norman also is "glad" the U.S. has "another golfer in the White House." Trump is "passionate about the sport and like many presidents before him," he will "use the golf course as a stress-reliever." Norman: "Only time will tell, but I am optimistic and feel that it is an interesting and exciting time to be in America" (NEWSWEEK.com, 11/15).
POP OFF: In San Antonio, Tom Orsborn notes Spurs Sports & Entertainment Chair & CEO Julianna Hawn Holt was "one of South Texas’ biggest donors" to Trump's presidential campaign, but she "apparently has not asked Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to stop criticizing the president-elect." Holt "donated $5,400 to the Trump campaign in June and $250,000 to the Trump Victory Fund, a fundraising committee made up of Trump’s campaign." Meanwhile, Popovich yesterday "took aim" at Trump naming Breitbart News' Steve Bannon his Chief Strategist & Senior Adviser. Popovich also "questioned Trump’s trustworthiness." He said, "You can’t believe anything that comes out of his mouth." Popovich, who said that he "received several emails after he bashed Trump last week, did not rule out refusing to go to the White House should the Spurs win an NBA title while Trump is in office" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 11/17).
TIME FOR REFLECTION: UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma said he was "shocked" Trump won the election. In Hartford, Jeff Jacobs writes no man in America in '16 is "better known for managing young women." Auriemma, on some of Trump's comments regarding women during his campaign, said, "It was hard to listen to, really hard to listen to. As somebody who has been in that world my whole life, I've grown up with a different belief system. But I've got to believe he has the same belief system, when you've been married and have daughters. You can't be totally insensitive to it." He added, "I don't know any one person is going to change the fundamental fabric of this country. ... Just because someone gets elected president of the United States, that doesn't mean they get to change what we've done for over 200 years" (HARTFORD COURANT, 11/17).
HERE & THERE: Patriots Owner Robert Kraft yesterday "stopped by Trump Tower," where he visited "for about 40 minutes" (BOSTON HERALD, 11/17). Meanwhile, Trump and his son, Donald Trump Jr., yesterday "shared a photo" with boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. (THEHILL.com, 11/16). Finally, the Trump presidency named NFL Jets Owner Woody Johnson and Las Vegas Sands Chair & CEO Sheldon Adelson to the Presidential Inaugural Committee, where they will serve as Finance Vice Chairs (NJ.com, 11/16).
