Jan 14, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; President Donald Trump looks over tables of fast food for the the college football playoff champion Clemson Tigers in the State Dining Room of the White House. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles are scheduled to visit the White House on April 28. But speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie emphasized that each player will personally decide whether to attend.
"Our culture is that these are optional things," said Lurie. "If you want to enjoy this, come along and we’ll have a great time and if you don’t, it is totally an optional thing."
Technically, because of the league's collective bargaining agreement with the players, a White House visit could never be officially mandatory. Attendance could be strongly encouraged, however, a path that Lurie seems reluctant to take.
Confirmed: The Philadelphia Eagles will be honored at the White House on April 28th. 🏆pic.twitter.com/lpBUoZPtrG
Lurie hopes to avoid the political controversy that plagued the Eagles after their Super Bowl LII victory in 2018. That year, the White House extended an invitation to the team, then rescinded it when news broke that many players would not attend.
President Trump canceled the Philadelphia Eagles’ White House visit, saying: "They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem."
Several players had already declined their invites and planned alternative community events. pic.twitter.com/6n28HhajI3
"This is really just an invitation from the White House," Lurie said. "That's all this is, and we're not politicizing it in any way. Not for us."
The Eagles owner may hope that's the case, but in the current U.S. social climate very little remains apolitical. Fans from both ends of the political spectrum will scrutinize and criticize players' choices, no matter what decision they make.
For example, when (likely unfounded) rumors circulated shortly after the Super Bowl that the Eagles would decline a White House invite, heated discussions ensued.
SAME. GO F YOURSELVES EAGLES. My husband is a fan so I got onboard but F this BS https://t.co/KemoC67QEu
It is not currently clear how many Eagles players and coaches plan to make the White House trip.
