Jim Nantz among big sports names donating to Trump-backed House candidate: report

A Trump-endorsed congressional candidate in Arizona is collecting campaign cash from some of the biggest names in sports, according to a report by MeidasTouch's Scott MacFarlane.

The candidate is Jay Feely, the former Arizona Cardinals kicker who spent a decade as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports before launching his campaign. Feely, 50, is running in the Aug. 4 Republican primary for Arizona's 1st Congressional District, a swing seat that could help decide control of the House. He touts himself as a "staunch supporter of Trump and the America First Agenda" and has blasted birthright citizenship.

Federal Election Commission records show Feely's donors include CBS broadcasting legend Jim Nantz, who gave $3,500, and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, who chipped in $7,000. Phoenix New Times, which examined the filings in April, found more than $200,000 flowing to Feely from across the sports world, including former quarterback John Elway and ex-Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher.

MacFarlane reported that CBS declined to comment on Nantz's contribution and those of other network voices, the New York Giants declined to comment on their head coach's donation, and ESPN said it permits an analyst's donation. The contributions, he wrote, raise questions about the political-donation policies of major networks and leagues.

One journalism ethics expert, quoted anonymously in MacFarlane's report, put it bluntly: "It's so far beyond the pale, it just shouldn't be allowed!"

Feely's haul stands out even in Trump's endorsement-heavy primary field. His campaign did not respond to a New Times request to discuss his sports-world backers.