Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, 23, spoke to the press for the first time since appearing with President Trump at Rockland Community College in New York. During the same press conference, his teammate Abdul Carter claimed that it was his “responsibility” to call him out on his support of Trump.

“Obviously this was a unique opportunity, being asked and given the chance to introduce the President of the United States,” Dart said.

“My thinking was pretty simple: I’ve always loved this country. I have extended family members who have fought in wars, two uncles who retired from the Air Force Academy and served, and even a great-grandfather who served as Secretary of the Treasury. The presidency is a position I’ve always deeply respected, regardless of political affiliation or party. My intentions were just that.”

The move drew some controversy in the locker room, with Carter, a linebacker for the team, commenting on the issue.

“If he chooses to align himself with a man like President Trump, it’s my responsibility based on what I believe and what I stand for to not only show my teammates that I’m against that, but to show the world,” Carter said.

Dart sought to dispel any notions that his recent appearance alongside the president had caused ongoing locker room tensions. He stressed that any internal conflicts would be handled privately within the team.

“I think the connections we’ve built are special because we’re able to have vulnerable conversations, learn from each other, and support each other regardless of the color of our skin,” Dart said. “We’ve had a lot of honest conversations as a team, and I’d like to keep those things private between me and my teammates.”

President Trump, for his part, offered support for the quarterback after the New York rally.

“So when Jaxson gets harassed a little bit, he’s also loved more,” he told Lara Trump during an interview on Fox News.