PHOENIX, Ariz. – When it comes to football, Shad Khan is known across the world as a savvy business tycoon who has invested millions into the Jacksonville Jaguars franchise and the city. But off the field, what are Khan’s personal views on both local and national political issues?
Shad Khan spoke with News4Jax sports director Sam Kouvaris last week in Phoenix at the NFL owners meeting. Most of the conversation revolved around football, but towards the end of the interview, the focus shifted to Jacksonville's Human Rights ordinance, President Trump’s travel ban and his views on immigration.
Khan says he assumed the city of Jacksonville had protections in place for gay, lesbians, and transgender individuals when he purchased the Jaguars in 2011. Six years later, Khan says he was pleased to finally see the Human Rights Ordinance passed in Jacksonville.
"The true of the matter is, I didn't know Jacksonville didn't have HRO," Khan said. "It's the right thing to do, it's good for Jacksonville, good for business. But this is something that transcends all that."
While some NFL owners are hesitant to take a public stance on political policy. Khan is speaking openly about President Trump’s travel ban which is still being challenged in court. Khan, who is a registered Republican, and an immigrant from Pakistan, says he is opposed to the travel restrictions targeting six predominantly Muslim nations.
"I think what's heartening from my viewpoint is to really see the courts kind of pick up on it," Khan said. "The big difference is that President Trump he had talked about he was really anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant, in the campaign."
Khan said it's hard for the president to distance himself from the statements he made on the campaign trail. Khan, who is Muslim, is hoping for a rational outcome that supports a process for undocumented immigrants to move forward toward citizenship.
"Just look at the inscription on the statue of liberty. Not looking for the best educated, the best looking, or the richest. So, that is really the founding principle of America," Khan said.
Khan said he came to the US with about $500 in his pocket and a job washing dishes some 50 years ago. Today he is a billionaire. Khan said it's not good for the US to block the tens and thousands of people who can contribute to the making of America.