At approximately 7 P.M. Monday night, President Donald Trump canceled the visit of the Super Bowl LII Champion Philadelphia Eagles that was scheduled for the next day.
A statement released by the White House, the President referenced the continuing national anthem issue and stated that “a different type of ceremony” will be held for the 1,000 fans who will attend tomorrow’s event.
White House canceled on the Eagles. pic.twitter.com/rcgTnTTLEh
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 4, 2018
Shortly after the announcement, Mike Garafolo said on the NFL Network less than ten members of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII winning team would be at the White House.
Leading up to the White House visit, several players , including wideout Torrey Smith, defensive end Chris Long and safety Malcolm Jenkins, were vocal that they would not be attending for political reasons. ”
“Some guys have dreamed about winning a championship and taking that trip to the White House and we’re not going to deny that to anybody,” Jenkins told Kristen Rogers of Fox 29, “But there are also a lot of guys who are passionate about not going.”
The Eagles join the Golden State Warriors as major pro sports teams that have had White House invited withdrawn.
