Last night, President Donald Trump announced that the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles were no longer invited to join him at the White House in celebration of their victory against the New England Patriots in February.
Instead of honoring the Eagles, Trump has vowed to host "A Celebration of America" at the White House, which he says, "will honor our great country, pay tribute to the heroes who fight to protect it, and loudly and proudly play the National Anthem." According to ESPN, the team did not learn of the cancellation until the White House put out its statement last night.
Many players had reportedly decided against going to the White House before officially being uninvited, but the decision doesn't just effect the players.
According to the NFLPA, Trump's decision to cancel the Eagles' visit to the White House also impacted multiple played-led community service events that were planned. The NFLPA statement reads:
"Our Union is disappointed in the decision by the White House to disinvite players from the Philadelphia Eagles from being recognized and celebrated by all American for their accomplishment. This decision by the White House has led to the cancellation of several player-led community service events for young people in the Washington, DC area. NFL players love their country, support our troops, give back to their communities and strive to make America a better place."
NFL Network reporter Ian Rapaport notes that the Eagles will hold organized team activities today instead of heading to DC as originally planned.
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