Here are the Eagles players already planning to skip White House visit

DCNFAnders Hagstrom, DCNF

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

At least three Philadelphia Eagles players already announced they wonā€™t 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 Trumpā€™s 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 Sundayā€™s game.

ā€œThough many of our nationā€™s service members are unable to be home with family and friends to enjoy this eveningā€™s American tradition, they are always in our thoughts and prayers,ā€ Trumpā€™s statement read. ā€œWe 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€

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

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.

Longā€™s refusal marks the second time heā€™s rejected Trumpā€™s 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.

ā€œNo,ā€ Long said. ā€œIā€™m 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.

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

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