US President Donald Trump has announced that he will invite the Philadelphia Eagles to the White House to celebrate their recent Super Bowl win. The invitation comes despite rumors that the team may decline, sparking debate over the tradition of teams visiting the White House after winning a championship.
In 2018, the Eagles declined an invitation to visit the White House following their Super Bowl victory, citing disagreements with Trump’s views on national anthem protests. However, the team plans to attend this year’s event.
The tradition of sports teams visiting the White House dates back to the 19th Century and is seen as a way for presidents to show appreciation for champions. However, some teams have used these visits to make statements or express dissent against certain policies.
Trump has been criticized in the past for uninviting certain teams and players who disagree with his views. For example, he famously snubbed the Golden State Warriors after their NBA championship win, following a comment from star player Stephen Curry about not wanting to visit.
Historians argue that these celebratory visits are often political in nature, even if they seem like neutral events. Professor Louis Moore of Grand Valley State University notes that every presidential candidate seeks athlete endorsements and that teams’ decisions to visit or decline the White House can be seen as a form of politics.
The Eagles’ decision to attend this year’s event will likely depend on their stance on issues related to Trump’s presidency, such as national anthem protests and immigration policies.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2rmxr90eyo