Chris Long fires back at Twitter critics over skipping Pats’ White House visit
Chris Long is one of a handful of New England Patriots players — six in all — skipping a visit to the White House to celebrate the team’s Super Bowl LI victory.
The veteran defensive end has been among the most vocal Patriots players in defending his decision. And Long continued to do so by firing off a series of tweets Thursday night in response to those criticizing him for declining to attend.
Sorry dude. I appreciate your support of me as a football player, but I just don't get this tweet. https://t.co/TfmK7hbEmY
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
Heard it all this week…if you don't want to hear about some of the dumb shit I've heard…mute away, but it's good. Rapid fire time, yeah?
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
Heard it all this week…if you don't want to hear about some of the dumb shit I've heard…mute away, but it's good. Rapid fire time, yeah?
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"Respect the office" Ok birther theory guy
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"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
"stop being self important. I'm no longer a fan" I'm self important but you thought this was important enough to bring to my attention, eh?
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"You just wanna be a cool lib" Actually I'm well aware the minute I believe something they don't, libs will hit me w this GIF pic.twitter.com/yvc9iBskvm
— 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
"You hate white people" You realize all humans that live in America should be concerned? Also that assumption says something about you.
— 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
I think that's it but check this gem out. Bye for now! pic.twitter.com/4kyxRgG4bV
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
So I’ve listened to it all week. And it’s sparse really. Most people aren’t ridiculous. Thought y’all may enjoy that thread.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
Long, prior to his tweetstorm, explained his decision for passing on visiting the White House during an interview with Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast (via NESN).
“I’m just not doing it,” Long said. “I’ve got plenty of serious political reasons that probably don’t belong on this show, but I’m just not doing it. America’s an awesome country, man. Everybody knows that. That’s why I have this choice.”
The debate in question whether it’s up to the individual player to decide whether to attend this kind of event, whether it’s for political reasons or otherwise.
Although many clearly disagree with Long’s position, it merits noting Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Tom Brady — both of whom count Donald Donald Trump as a friend or acquaintance in some respect — declined to directly criticize any player who is refusing to visit the White House. In commenting on the situation, both Kraft and Brady cited the right of an individual to make their own personal choice.
All said, depending on one’s individual position on the issue at hand, Long makes some compelling points. Or at the very least, Long deserves some credit for facing the criticism and defending his position instead of avoiding it.
