UPDATED 6/4, 10:21 p.m. ET: Jim Kenney, the Mayor of Philadelphia, has released a statement regarding Donald Trump's decision to rescind the Philadelphia Eagles's invitation to the White House following their Super Bowl win. Read Kenney's statement below:
“The Eagles call the birthplace of our democracy home, so it’s no surprise that this team embodies everything that makes our country and our city great. Their athletic accomplishments on the field led to an historic victory this year. Fans all across the country rallied behind them because we like to root for the underdog and we feel joy when we see the underdogs finally win. I’m equally proud of the Eagles’ activism off the field. These are players who stand up for the causes they believe in and who contribute in meaningful ways to their community. They represent the diversity of our nation—a nation in which we are free to express our opinions.
See original story below.
The Hill obtained a statement from Donald Trump on Monday declaring that the Philadelphia Eagles were no longer invited to the White House, due to previous instances where players on the team were involved in national anthem protests.
"The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow. They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country," the statement said. "The Eagles wanted to send a smaller delegation, but the 1,000 fans planning to attend the event deserve better."
Following the announcement of the NFL’s national anthem policy, which will force players to stand or stay in their locker room for the anthem, Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins spoke out against the league’s decision, claiming that the new rule wasn’t going to prevent him from getting his voice heard. "Everyone loses when voices get stifled [...] While I disagree with this decision, I will not let it silence me or stop me from fighting," Jenkins said.
In late April, the Eagles still weren’t committed to their White House visit, and weighing out their options. Much like the Warriors’ situation, Trump prevented the Eagles from getting the satisfaction of turning his invitation down. However, this time around, The Donald provided the team and their fans with a "different type of ceremony" that is centered around the national anthem. Well played, Orange One. Except, as former Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith expressed on Twitter, Trump continues to misrepresent the meaning behind the protests.
If the Eagles were to visit the White House, the team was reportedly planning to use their time with Trump to voice their concerns about the issues close to them. By turning them away, these potential opportunities to bridge a divide between the president and the players who staged these protests have been lost. Instead of being petty, The Donald should have turned their visit into something productive. But, that's never been how this guy operates.
