Defensive end Chris Long of the NFL champion New England Patriots has said he won’t visit the White House with the team, joining three other teammates in boycotting the celebration.
Long responded to an open letter from the New York Daily News’ Chuck Modiano which called for Long to show solidarity with teammates Martellus Bennett, Devin McCourty and Dont’a Hightower by skipping the White House visit with President Donald Trump.
“Oh Chuck. Planned on skipping, hadn't been asked. Don't need an open letter explaining my own words to me. Not *joining* anyone. My call,” Long tweeted.
Oh Chuck. Planned on skipping, hadn't been asked. Don't need an open letter explaining my own words to me. Not *joining* anyone. My call. https://t.co/XWo9x2XT40
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 9, 2017
Patriots owner Robert Kraft is a supporter of Trump and a personal friend. Patriots quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick are also tied to Trump. The night before the election, Trump told the crowd Brady had voted for him and read a letter from Belichick.
Bennett, McCourty and Long all supported of San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protest from earlier in the season. McCourty and Bennett raised their fists in protest during a game in September and Long spoke in support of it.
“I'm not going to the White House," McCourty said, as Time magazine reported. "Basic reason for me is I don't feel accepted in the White House. With the president having so many strong opinions and prejudices I believe certain people might feel accepted there while others won't."
Modiano cited Long’s statements in an ESPN interview and said he “conveyed a level of respect, sincerity, and acknowledgment of white privilege rarely ever expressed by a white NFL player” in that interview.
“You recognized the problem,” Modiano wrote. “Now it's time to act on it, and stand up to Trump with your black teammates.”