Chris Long, Patriots DE, Defends Decision Not to Visit White House

Chris Long, defensive end for the New England Patriots, has taken to Twitter in defense of his decision to skip a visit to the White House as part of the Super Bowl championship team.

Long is one of six players who have said they won't attend a White House celebration of their victory.

Long wrote a series of posts on Twitter on Thursday responding to reactions he has received to his decision.

"Stick to football" you don't look like a state senator yourself there bud.

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017

"I hope they cut you" I'm a free agent.

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017

"You just wanna be a cool lib"
As a football player, liberals thought I was a living, breathing piece of steak before I agreed with them.

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017

"You hate the troops" The secondary focus of my foundation (out of two causes) is veteran support. Do your research. Also, not relatable.

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017

"Stop believing the media." Dude I just saw you retweet Fox News.

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017

"You should go talk to trump if you want change" I'm skipping a photo op, not a congressional hearing.

— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017

Long's Twitter posts came after he received an open letter by New York Daily News writer Chuck Modiano encouraging Long to show solidarity with other teammates and publicly refuse to visit the White House.

Long tweeted a response to Modiano's letter.

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 and quarterback Tom Brady, both of whom are said to be friends of President Donald Trump, have downplayed the players' decision to skip the White House visit.

• Tom Brady: White House Visits by Championship Teams Aren't Political
  
• Robert Kraft: White House Visit Being Skipped by Players is Normal