The Indiana Hoosiers visited the White House on Monday afternoon. The national champions received a full tour and ceremony with Donald Trump.
Fernando Mendoza didn’t attend the event. The quarterback led Indiana to college football’s first 16-0 season in 132 years but skipped the Washington gathering.
The Las Vegas Raiders top draft pick cited offseason OTAs as his reason for staying away.
Mendoza called it an easy decision. The Heisman Trophy winner has been focused on preparing for his new NFL role since becoming this year’s top selection.
The transition requires significant work. He’s moving from shotgun formation to playing under center.
Mendoza has been working with Brian Griese to learn the West Coast offense. The footwork adjustments alone demand constant attention during the offseason.
He didn’t want travel between Vegas and DC interrupting his preparation schedule.
Trump mentioned receiving a phone call from Mendoza during the ceremony. The president said the Raiders rookie sent his regards and expressed interest in meeting.
“He didn’t show up,” Trump said about Mendoza. “I’m not happy, but that’s OK. He is actually a big fan of what we are doing.”
Mendoza will continue preparing over the next three months before NFL preseason begins.
The Raiders will learn their opponents this week when the league releases full schedules for all 32 teams.
