Las Vegas Raiders rookie signal-caller Fernando Mendoza is locked in for offseason work, but OTAs could clash with Indiana’s White House visit. Do you care if he skips meeting President Donald Trump to stay back?
Mendoza led Indiana to the program’s first national championship and a historic 16-0 season before going No. 1 overall to the Raiders in the 2026 NFL draft. Now the Hoosiers want him back for a May 11 White House visit with President Trump to celebrate the title.
There’s a problem, or at least Mendoza thinks there is.
“I believe May 11 is the first day of OTAs,” he said. “I’m on the bottom of the totem pole here. I gotta prove myself. I can’t miss practice.”
Only one issue: according to the Raiders’ official website, OTAs begin May 18, a full week after the scheduled visit. The conflict Mendoza cited does not appear to exist.
That raises the real question. Is this about football or something else?
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Those pushing Mendoza to attend argue that skipping dishonors his teammates and the most remarkable run in modern college football history. He was the undisputed star of that Indiana squad, and his absence would be hard to miss.
Those who respect his hesitation point to his stated mindset. “As a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look,” Mendoza said. “I want to try to best serve my teammates, and I don’t know if that’d be accomplishing that goal.”
He added: “Yesterday I was like, ‘Wow, I have a lot to work on.'”
That is a notable level of humility from the consensus top pick, one already immersed in the system head coach Klint Kubiak is installing.
Whether the scheduling conflict holds up or not, Mendoza’s gut reaction said plenty. Most rookies would have jumped at a White House photo op. He wanted to get back to work. Kubiak is building something in Las Vegas, and the No. 1 pick already gets it. Debate the politics all you want, Raider Nation. The kid just wants to play football.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
He should go and the Raiders should give him their full blessing. Spares you regret as eventually learn what constitutes “must go” or “meh”. In my opinion, this is a must go regardless of your personal politics or work obligations. Presidents come and go but the White House is forever and opportunities to be feted in such a place are fleeting in your life.