Former Major League Baseball star Johnny Damon is opening up about his unlikely friendship with former President Donald Trump and his 2021 DUI arrest.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Robert Kassa, Damon, 48, spoke candidly about his friendship with Trump, who he met at a charity event in 2009. Damon, a two-time World Series champion and eight-time All-Star, said the two would often have dinner or play golf together.
“My main goal was to get to know him as a person, not just the president,” Damon said. “I think a lot of people were so focused on the politics, but I was like, ‘Let me get to know the guy.’ And I was surprised by how down-to-earth he was. He was a regular guy who loved his family, loved his friends, and loved his business.”
Damon credited Trump with helping him land a spot on Celebrity Apprentice, a reality TV show where contestants compete to be hired by a CEO.
“He gave me a great opportunity,” Damon said. “He’s a guy who gets things done, and he believed in me. I was just grateful for that chance.”
However, not all of Damon’s experiences were positive. In June 2021, he was arrested in the Far East Side of Scottsdale, Arizona, on suspicion of driving under the influence.
“I was going through a tough time, going through a divorce, and I had a few too many drinks,” Damon said. “It was a stupid mistake. I was lucky it wasn’t worse. I could’ve hurt someone or worse, I could’ve hurt myself.”
Damon, who has spoken publicly about his struggles with depression and anxiety, said the arrest was a wake-up call for him.
“It was a tough experience, but it made me realize I needed to get help,” he said. “I started seeing a therapist, taking antidepressants, and just focusing on my mental health. It’s been a journey, but it’s been amazing to see the progress I’ve made.”
Damon has since become an advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to raise funds and support for various mental health organizations.
