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Former FSU Heisman winner among those invited by Donald Trump for sports roundtable

Charlie Ward will be heading to Washington D.C. for the event that will include major figures in college and professional sports.
ByCorey Long|
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Florida High head coach Charlie Ward looks on from the sidelines in a game between Florida High and Andrew Jackson on Jan. 21, 2023, at Florida High. The Seminoles won 56-40. J9t2336
Florida High head coach Charlie Ward looks on from the sidelines in a game between Florida High and Andrew Jackson on Jan. 21, 2023, at Florida High. The Seminoles won 56-40. J9t2336 | Jack Williams/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK

Charlie Ward will be visiting the White House for the second time in his life.

The former Heisman Trophy winner and current men's basketball coach for Florida A&M is among the list of guests that will be joining  President Trump for his roundtable to discuss the issues with college sports. Ward joins a group that features Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Tiger Woods, whose son, Charlie, recently committed to play golf for the Seminoles, and many other figures  in college sports, professional sports and sports-related television.

Ward, of course, won the Heisman in 1993 while leading the Seminoles to their first national championship. He was also the starting point guard for FSU's men's basketball team and helped them reach the Elite Eight in 1993. For his efforts, Ward had his No. 17 retired in football and this October he had his No. 12 jersey retired in basketball. Through the years, Ward has remained one of the most iconic and beloved figures in Seminole athletics.

Charlie Ward will take part in Donald Trump's college sports roundtable

The goal of this roundtable remains unclear. Will it be a sounding board for coaches like Meyer and Saban to complain about how things aren't like they were? Will it be an opportunity for some real discussion about the issues they believe are facing college sports? One would think the sitting president has far more important things to worry about these days, but Trump has always tried to integrate himself into college athletics and this is another opportunity for him to do that.

However,  having Ward a part of the group makes perfect sense. Since graduating from FSU, Ward went on to a solid 11-year career in the NBA and has since coached football and basketball at the pro, college and high school levels. He should be able to offer plenty of perspective given his experience coaching high school and college athletes.

Ward's first trip to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue came in the months following FSU's national championship when Bill Clinton was the sitting president. 

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