Even sports fail to unite Trump’s America

A boycott by Eagles’ players and the president’s decision to cancel an invitation causes another controversy.

It is the best thing about sports, the ability to allow us to shed our myriad differences and unite under a common banner.

It is a moment like that which occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4, when generations of Eagles fans discarded decades of heartache, disappointment and the loser’s label that had hung around their neck for more than five decades. Finally, our beloved Birds were Super Bowl champions.

We were not Republican. Or Democrat. Not Red, nor Blue We were Green. Gang Green. We stood as one.

Fast forward to Monday night. That’s when our unity was once again shattered, when political matters intruded in our cozy little world of escapism we refer to as sports.

It’s a tradition that the champions of major sports competitions receive an invitation to come to the White House to be congratulated by the president.

The Eagles were scheduled for just such a visit Tuesday afternoon.

But Monday night, President Donald Trump did his best “Lucy” imitation, snatching the ball away from the Birds at the last moment, much like the “Peanuts” character did to poor old Charlie Brown.

The president rescinded the invitation, launching the latest battle in the culture war surrounding the protest by some NFL players during the playing of the national anthem before games.

Started by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the issue spread like wildfire throughout the league as players raise their voices – while taking a knee – to protest what they perceived as racial injustice in the wake of several shootings of African Americans by police.

President Trump was not a fan. He berated the players’ position, challenged whether they have a right to do so, and even went so far as to urge owners to fire those taking part and get those “sons of bitches” off the field.

It should be noted that no Eagle actually took a knee during the playing of the anthem this year. Safety Malcolm Jenkins often raised a fist, and he linked arms with several teammates.

Last week NFL owners instituted a new policy noting that all players would be required to stand during the anthem, or remain in the locker room. Jenkins and many other players were critical of the stance.

It became clear that many members of the Eagles were not planning to attend Tuesday’s planned celebration at the White House. So Trump audibled, went on offense and sacked the event.

The White House issued a statement saying the president was calling off the visit by the Super Bowl champs, noting that some members “disagree with their president because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country.”

Trump said that while a smaller contingent of Eagles planned to attend, the “1,000 fans planning to attend deserve better.” He vowed to hold “a different type of ceremony,” one featuring the U.S. Marine Band and the U.S. Army Chorus. Trump said the party will “honor our great country, pay tribute to the heroes who fight to protect it, and loudly and proudly play the National Anthem.”

Tuesday afternoon the White House issued a new release, saying the Eagles tried to reschedule the event Friday after they learned that many players were opting not to attend. Trump said he had a scheduling conflict with the new dates. But then Team Trump added this little gem: “In other words, the vast majority of the Eagles team decided to abandon their fans.”

We wish none of this happened. We wish the Eagles – all of them – were going to the White House. It would stand as a sign of respect for the office, regardless of the person residing there.

But we also defend the players’ right to protest. It’s one of those pesky rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Trump’s statement, in particular his words that players “disagree with their president,” are troubling. We remind him this is a democracy, not a monarchy. He is president, not king. Citizens, including millionaire NFL players, are not his minions.

“You have to stand proudly for the national anthem,” Trump said. “Or you shouldn’t be playing, you shouldn’t be there. Maybe they shouldn’t be in the country.”

Jason Kelce in a Mummers outfit at the White House? Not going to happen. Even sports can’t unite us anymore.