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New Jersey Senators Trying to Stop Events Like LIV Golf

The controversial Saudi Arabian backed LIV Golf Tournament that came to Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster could soon be banned if a pair of New Jersey lawmakers can get…

TRUMP and MIckleson

BEDMINSTER, NEW JERSEY – JULY 29: Former U.S. President Donald Trump and team Captain Phil Mickelson of Hy Flyers GC shake hands on the driving range during day one of the LIV Golf Invitational – Bedminster at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on July 29, 2022 in Bedminster, New Jersey. (Photo by Charles Laberge/LIV Golf via Getty Images)

The controversial Saudi Arabian backed LIV Golf Tournament that came to Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster could soon be banned if a pair of New Jersey lawmakers can get their way with a proposal that would "prohibit sports organizations that operate primarily with money from sovereign wealth funds from hosting sporting events in the Garden State."

The measure proposed by Democrat Senators Andrew Zwicker and Richard Codey would target any sport, but has the LIV tournament in mind most specifically, because of its connections to the Saudi government. Many have pointed that Saudi Arabia is partially responsible for the 9-11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon 21 years ago, and don't believe the United States should have athletes becoming financial partners. Other's have pointed to Saudi Arabia's inglorious human rights record as another impetus to keep away from LIV Golf.

The LIV Tournament steeped itself further into muddy waters when former President Trump announced that it would play a tournament at his golf course in the Garden State. The former President, who is no stranger to controversy himself, added that "nobody got to the bottom of 9-11 unfortunately, and they should."

NJ.com later reported that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner had a close relationship with the Saudi Crown Prince when Trump was President; including giving Kushner's private equity firm $2 billion.

NJ.com also reports that under the proposal, "the state attorney general would have the authority to ensure municipalities, countries, organizations, governments, property owners, and any vendors with licenses comply with the ban."

The bill must come before the State Senate and Assembly -- both of which are firmly controlled by the Democrats, before making its way to Governor Murphy's desk for signature.

Michael Cohen is the News and Sports Director at Fox Sports Radio New Jersey and Magic 98.3 FM, as well as a radio production assistant with Fox and Magic in New Jersey. He started his career in Somerset in 2018 initially as a news fill-in at WCTC 1450 AM, and soon moved up to higher responsibilities in the ensuing years, assuming News & Sports Director title in 2021Prior to his time with Fox Sports New Jersey, Michael was play-by-play voice for New Jersey Jackals baseball, and as well as play-by-play and color for the College of Staten Island basketball (men and women), softball and baseball. Michael began his career as a news and sportswriter with the Jersey Journal of Hudson County.