Trump wants Mike Ditka, Mike Tyson to appear at GOP convention

By Tina Sfondeles

Former Chicago Bears player and football coach Mike Ditka waits for the halftime ceremony where his No. 89 was to be retired by the Bears during an NFL football game between the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

With many prominent Republicans ducking out of the GOP convention next month in Cleveland, presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump has lined up a slew of sports figures and musicians to appear, including former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka.

Bloomberg on Tuesday reported that Trump campaign aides have lined up former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, Ditka, former Indiana University basketball coach Bobby Knight and NASCAR chief Brian France.

Mike Tyson in 2012. File Photo. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Bloomberg reports Trump aides are searching for other celebrities and top athletes to appear at the convention. Third-party groups have also booked musicians to perform at venues throughout Cleveland during the convention, including Journey, The Beach Boys, Bret Michaels, Rick Springfield, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts and The Band Perry, according to the article.

Several local politicians have decided to skip the convention, including Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. Sen. Mark Kirk and Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger.

Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight argues a call in 2004. Sun-Times photo by Tom Cruze

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