In a strange, yet mildly predictable turn of events, the Super Bowl champions will not be visiting the White House tomorrow. As part of winning the glorious Lombardi Trophy, it has become a tradition that the winning team visits the President of the United States following the victory. This year however, that won’t be the case.
The President released a statement, citing that because they disagree with Trump on the topic of kneeling during the National Anthem.
Donald Trump issues a statement saying neither the #Eagles, nor team representatives, are welcome at the White House tomorrow for their Super Bowl visit. Unreal. pic.twitter.com/PXEoZ43XY0
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 4, 2018
The Eagles held meetings with their players in recent weeks and, according to sources, Jeff Lurie didn't want to put the players in a tough spot so he decided to send a smaller contingent. Other players were going to have an optional day at the facility. Now, no trip to D.C.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 4, 2018
Mike Garafolo mentioned that the Eagles owner didn’t want to dive the locker room and opted to send a smaller contingent of players. Instead, that will no longer be the case.
While I’m sure players such as Chris Long and Malcolm Jenkins are devastated, this is a big step for the Eagles. This could have very easily spiraled into a politically charged decision that fractured one of the most unbreakable locker rooms in Football. Instead, the team remain as a unit after carefully wading these waters and will focus their attention on the upcoming week of OTA’s.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
