Anders Hagstrom, DCNF
At least three Philadelphia Eagles players already announced they wonāt go to the White House to be honored for winning the Super Bowl.
President Donald Trump is expected to invite the Eagles to the White House after their win Sunday night, but wide receiver Torrey Smith, defensive end Chris Long, and safety Malcolm Jenkins have said they willĀ refuseĀ Trumpās invitation, according to NJ.com. The playersā opposition comes after a year of strife between the NFL and the Trump administration over the rash of protests during the pre-game national anthem.
Trump had been extremely vocal with his distaste for players kneeling during the national anthem throughout 2017. He also released a statement before the Super BowlĀ urgingĀ players to stand. All three players raised their fists in solidarity with Black Lives Matter during Sundayās game.
āThough many of our nationās service members are unable to be home with family and friends to enjoy this eveningās American tradition, they are always in our thoughts and prayers,ā Trumpās statement read. āWe owe these heroes the greatest respect for defending our liberty and our American way of life. Their sacrifice is stitched into each star and every stripe of our Star-Spangled Banner. We hold them in our hearts and thank them for our freedom as we proudly stand for the national anthem.ā
Jenkinsā refusal is the least surprising, considering he was a central figure in the anthem protests throughout 2017 and was a founder of the Playersā Coalition (PC). The PC held months-long negotiations with the NFL, eventually convincing the league toĀ pledgeĀ $89 million in donations to black American and social justice causes.
Longās refusal marks the second time heās rejected Trumpās invite, as he also won the 2017 Super Bowl as a member of the Patriots. He emphatically promised to skip out this year as well on an episode ofĀ Pardon Take My Podcast.
āNo,ā Long said. āIām not going to the White House. Are you kidding me?ā
Smith and othersĀ contendĀ they mean no disrespect to the anthem or the flag during their protests. Instead, they just say they are trying to improve the country.
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