Emmitt Smith Bails as a Judge in Donald Trump’s Miss USA Pageant

Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith resigned as a judge in the upcoming Miss USA pageant in the wake of NBC dumping Donald Trump’s made-for-TV beauty contest and Miss Mexico bailing on the companion Miss Universe event.

“In light of Mr. Trump’s statements and the subsequent decisions made by NBC,” the NFL’s all-time leading rusher declared, “I have decided not to participate as a judge in the 2015 Miss USA pageant. Knowing firsthand through my wife, Pat Smith, how much the women prepare for this event, I continue to send my support and best wishes to everyone competing this year.”

Smith’s wife, the former Patricia Southall, captured the Miss Virginia crown in 1993 and placed as 1st runner-up in the Miss USA event the following year.

Smith’s departure ostensibly stems from Donald Trump’s remarks concerning the quality of immigrants who come to the United States from Mexico.

“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best,” the billionaire businessman declared in the announcement of his presidential run. “They’re sending people that have lots of problems. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists, and some, I assume, are good people.”