Cruz and Scott Place High-Stakes Bet for NCAA Championship

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — As the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship approaches, Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Florida Senator Rick Scott have made a daring bet tied to the outcome of the game between the University of Houston and the Florida Gators.

Cruz took to X, inviting Scott to a wager over the culinary delights each state is known for. If the Gators win, Cruz will send Texas barbecue, Shiner Bock beer, and Blue Bell ice cream, while also donning a Florida Gators jersey. Scott accepted, countering that if Houston emerges victorious, he will send Cuban food, key lime pie, and Florida beer along with wearing a Cougars jersey.

Cruz tweeted, “Hey Care to do a wager on tonight’s game? If Florida wins, I’ll offer up TX BBQ, Shiner Bock beer & Blue Bell ice cream for you & your staff…plus the loser wears the winner’s jersey. What say you?” Scott replied, accepting the terms and confidently stating, “Ted Cruz, you’re on. Gators Men’s Basketball are ready to win it all… I’ll offer up Cuban food, Florida fresh Key Lime pie, and some amazing Florida beer.”

The stakes could not be higher as the Gators, seeded No. 4 in the tournament, face off against the second-seeded Cougars for the championship title. The game holds special significance for both states, each represented at the highest levels of political office.

In a twist on rivalry, Texas Governor Greg Abbott joined in on the action, betting that Houston would defeat Florida, offering his famous Texas BBQ and Lone Star beer. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis accepted the bet, promising to serve stone crab claws and key lime pie if Florida wins.

“Tonight, Houston’s Men’s Basketball takes on Florida’s Men’s Basketball in the National Championship. I’ll bet some of the best Texas BBQ and cold Lone Star beer that the Coogs will beat the Gators,” Abbott posted on social media.

This friendly wager between politicians is just one of several recent boasts about the Gators’ prowess in basketball. A few weeks ago, U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a graduate of the University of Florida, publicly endorsed the Gators’ chances in the tournament, dismissing concerns about football season. “Go Gators, and we’re going to win it all,” she stated.

The matchup promises to be an exciting confrontation, not only for basketball glory but also for bragging rights and state pride. As the players prepare for the contest, the outcome may resonate far beyond the court, affecting the reputations of these elected officials.

With the line at roughly a one-point favor for Florida, fans and political figures alike are eager to see how the championship will unfold. Cooked meals, drinks, and the wearing of differing jerseys hang in the balance, setting the stage for an unforgettable night in sports.

A.G. Gancarski has been covering Northeast Florida for Florida Politics since 2014. His work has appeared in various national outlets, including the Washington Post and the New York Post.