Since the presidency of Ronald Regan it has been a tradition in the NFL that the newly named Super Bowl Champions visit the White House following their victory. However this year, some players aren’t really feeling it. This has a lot to do with the controversy in the NFL regarding President Trump and his comments towards players who decided to take a knee during the national anthem. Trump stated that all athletes choosing not to stand during the anthem should be fired. Malcolm Jenkins, Torrey Smith, Chris Long, and Lagarrette Blount are just a few of Philadelphia’s players who already confirmed they would NOT be in attendance.
Wide receiver Torrey Smith explained in his interview with CNN that he does not have a message for the president. Smith raised his fist during the anthem in the 2016 season to protest police violence and draw attention to racial and economic inequality in our country. He said “If I told you that I was invited to a party by an individual who I believe is sexist or I told you this individual has said offensive things towards minority groups….you would understand why I wouldn’t want to go to that party.” Perfectly said Torrey. Sorry Trump, looks like another lonely day at the White House.
Comments