U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio jokingly suggested during a White House Cabinet meeting that President Donald Trump issue an executive order to ban weddings on college football Saturdays, calling such events a ‘scourge’ on the sport. While the suggestion was clearly humorous, it highlighted Rubio’s frustrations with scheduling conflicts during the fall season, which coincides with the college football calendar.
Rubio, who has been married to his wife Jeanette Dousdebes since 1998, made the comment in a lighthearted manner, emphasizing that there are other months in the year for couples to tie the knot. The incident occurred amid ongoing discussions about various issues in college sports, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights and the transfer portal. However, Rubio’s focus was on the perceived negative impact of weddings on college football game days.
The comment was part of a broader context where the NCAA and other stakeholders are grappling with the challenges of balancing academic, athletic, and social aspects of college sports. While the suggestion was not meant to be taken seriously, it sparked discussions about the cultural significance of college football and how it interacts with personal milestones such as weddings. The event took place as the 2025 college football season was set to begin, with several high-profile matchups, including South Florida’s victory over Boise State and Cincinnati’s game against Nebraska at Arrowhead Stadium.
Despite the comedic nature of Rubio’s remarks, they underscored the influence of public figures in shaping perceptions around major events and traditions in American culture. The NCAA has long been a powerful entity in American collegiate sports, and the recent conversations about the impact of weddings on football Saturdays have added another layer to the ongoing debates about the sport’s structure and culture.
The suggestion, while not a serious policy proposal, has raised questions about the role of humor and public opinion in shaping sports-related policies. While most of the nation’s attention remains on the broader issues in college sports, such as NIL deals and the transfer portal, Rubio’s lighthearted remark has captured the public’s imagination, highlighting the unique cultural importance of college football in American society.
As the 2025 season approaches, college football fans and analysts are continuing to weigh the various challenges and opportunities facing the sport, including its relationship with personal events like weddings. The incident serves as a reminder of the intersection between sports and culture, and how even a joking remark can spark broader conversations about tradition, scheduling, and the role of public figures in shaping public discourse.