Patrick McEnroe Testifies Before Congress on Foreign Recruits in College Tennis Former U.S. Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe testified before a House subcommittee about the shrinking presence of American student-athletes in NCAA tennis, saying 21 of 24 players in one top college match were foreign recruits. He also weighed in on transgender athletes and the weed smell at the U.S. Open. Former U.S. Davis Cup captain and ESPN commentator Patrick McEnroe appeared before the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development to address the shrinking presence of American student-athletes in NCAA programs. McEnroe is pushing for federal reform in college athletics. He is backing a new bill currently heading before the House of Representatives. The effort began after he wrote a Wall Street Journal op-ed and then took his fight to Capitol Hill, meeting with Washington politicians. Appearing on OutKick's Tomi Lahren is Fearless, McEnroe called tennis the ultimate canary in the coal mine.Foreign Recruits Dominate College TennisHe described watching a marquee matchup between top SEC and ACC teams where 21 of the 24 players on court were foreign recruits. McEnroe stressed, So I knew that the numbers were getting pretty high in tennis. I have been in tennis my whole life. I played college tennis.He argued that American universities and their athletic departments were put in place to help our kids, to educate them, to give them opportunity. McEnroe said U.S. schools should prioritize domestic talent over international pros. He is taking a stand in order to award the most opportunities possible to American collegiate athletes. He believes this issue is even more widespread than the debate over transgender athletes in women's sports.On transgender participation, McEnroe was direct. I am not for a trans playing in female sports, no, I am not, he said. He explained why he believes the issue of foreign recruits deserves federal attention and why lawmakers need to act. McEnroe also weighed in on the changing culture of the U.S. Open and the mysterious weed stench that hit the tournament this year.McEnroe Jokes About Weed Smell At U.S. OpenMcEnroe blamed tournament workers taking quick breaks on the street behind the venue. Instead of taking a break and having some Gatorade, I guess they were taking a little puff, he joked. Broadcasting one night with his brother John, Patrick admitted he actually misses the old days when charcoal grill smoke drifted over the courts. I kind of miss the smell of the burger, McEnroe laughed.A little weed, if I smelled it in the air, would not affect me as much as a burger, the smell from the charcoal of the burger. He urged complaining players to lighten up about the marijuana haze that disrupted play. McEnroe made the comments as he continues to push for changes to college athletics.McEnroe Advocates For American Student AthletesHe appeared on Tomi Lahren is Fearless, a show that covers everything from trending political topics and today's pop culture news to sports and everything in between. Aryna Sabalenka celebrated after defeating Jessica Pegula in the women's singles semifinal on Day 12 of the 2026 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 10, 2026, in Flushing, Queens.McEnroe posed for a photo during the Red Carpet Pre-Show of the International Tennis Hall of Fame 2026 Induction Ceremony on Aug. 29, 2026, in Newport, R.I. His testimony before the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development was part of his ongoing effort to protect American college athletes.