Chris Long, a defensive end on the Philadelphia Eagles, has said he would skip the traditional visit to the Whites House reserved for Super Bowl champions. Long cited Charlottesville and “fighting for equality” as reasons for his skip. Yet while it is fashionable to criticize Trump’s reaction to Charlottesville, it is Long’s silence about the city’s vice mayor that exposes his hypocrisy.
History of Social Justice
Long has been a supporter of the NFL’s social justice movement. He told the Philadelphia Inquirer, “I think it’s a good time for people that look like me to be here for people that are fighting for equality. If you don’t see why you need allies for people that are fighting for equality right now, I don’t think you’ll ever see it. My thing is Malcolm’s a leader and I’m here to show support as a white athlete.”
Unlike many professional athletes who are outspoken on their views, Long puts his money where his mouth is. He donated his entire year’s salary to various charities in the three cities where he has played in his NFL career and funded scholarships in Charlottesville, Va. Long said:
