9:20 PM PT — A spokesperson for Landry’s — Tilman Fertitta’s company — issued a statement to TMZ Sports, saying the billionaire has donated to politicians on BOTH sides of the aisle … including to Joe Biden‘s campaign.
“Throughout his business career, Tilman Fertitta has supported many individuals in public service. He has hosted numerous fundraisers for President Bill Clinton and hosted President George W. Bush in his home.”
“Last year, he hosted a fundraiser for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as well as supported his longtime friend, Mark Kelly, now U.S. senator-elect of Arizona.”
“He also contributed to President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign. As a respected business leader recognized across the country, Fertitta supports many Democrats, as well as Republicans.”
James Harden and many others in the Rockets’ org. all want OUT of Houston … and it’s all reportedly because the team’s owner is a big Donald Trump supporter.
NBA insider Ric Bucher dropped the bombshell revelation on “The Odd Couple” podcast this week … saying Tilman Fertitta‘s ties to the Republican party and Trump have created a massive divide in the org.
According to Bucher … players and staffers have disagreed so heavily with Tilman’s donations to the Trump campaign — it’s created a straight-up “revolt.”
“What I heard is,” Bucher said, “and we know how much politics and political position had to do with the boycott and protests during the Bubble — I’m hearing that Tilman Fertitta’s strong Republican support and donations is one of the things that is contributing to this dissatisfaction.”
Bucher added, “There is a revolt here because they look at Fertitta as a guy who supports the current President.”
Russell Westbrook has already reportedly requested a trade from the Rockets … and Harden is said to now want out as well.
The team also jettisoned Robert Covington this week … while last year’s coach, Mike D’Antoni, and last year’s GM, Daryl Morey, have already left the squad.
Fertitta — who bought the Rockets in 2017 for $2.2 BILLION — has never been shy about his public support for Trump … he’s praised POTUS often, and the two are known to be good pals.
We’ve reached out to the Rockets for comment on Bucher’s report … so far, no word back yet.
https://www.tmz.com/2020/11/17/james-harden-houston-rockets-ric-bucher-revolt-tillman-fertitta/
