FOLLOW US

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:

"In my 10th year, I want to celebrate the awesome opportunity I've had to play football by giving back to the communities that have given me that gift. Education opportunity and equity are the best gateway to a better tomorrow for everyone in America," Chris said in a statement.

Reasons for Declining White House Visit

However, his decision to decline a visit to the White House deserves scrutiny. On Tuesday evening, Long and former Trump adviser Boris Epshteyn engaged in a Twitter conversation. Long elaborated on his decision to skip the visit and why he’s not interested in starting a dialogue with President Trump. Long cited Trump’s response to the Charlottesville incident:

“Who were the fine people on the side of the Nazis and KKK that gathered in my hometown the day a terrorist put 20 ppl in the hospital? Why reference the hatred and bigotry on “many sides” that day? Why didn’t you immediately denounce them? The lack of condemnation of said groups is either a calculated omission to pander to an ugly corner of our country OR he agrees with those folks. Either way, no convo needed.”

First, the implication that this is the reason why Long is skipping the visit is a farce. Long also skipped the visit last year when he was a member of the New England Patriots. It’s completely disingenuous to lump Charlottesville into the reason for the skip. He is posturing and propagandizing.