THE source of Donald Trump’s resentment of the Philadelphia Eagles has been revealed.
His beef with the Super Bowl winners erupted back in 2018.
Politico reported that Trump would have been thrilled “to see the Eagles get slaughtered in the biggest event in American sports.”
They are the “NFL team Trump loves to hate,” the political website added last Friday.
According to a column by Chris Brennan in USA Today published last Wednesday, it appears that President Trump still holds resentment towards the Philadelphia Eagles, which happens to be Brennan’s hometown football team.
“The likely reason for that is obvious. He can’t let any slight, real or perceived, ever be ignored or forgotten.”
The “slight” Brennan was referring to occurred in 2018, the first time the Eagles won a Super Bowl.
After beating the New England Patriots, the victors received a customary invitation to the White House.
But many players signalled they would boycott the prestigious event.
This was attributed to the president’s demands that players stand during the national anthem at games.
Fewer than 10 members of the team agreed to attend the celebration on the South Lawn, which had taken weeks to organize.
Reported by The New York Times, this year’s ceremony intended to honor the Eagles has evolved into a stark portrayal of the profound rifts existing in the United States concerning issues of race, patriotism, and the President himself.
The White House accused Eagles team members of pulling a “political stunt.”
To make matter worse, the team tried to reschedule the celebration – but proposed a time when Trump would be overseas.
Consequently, Trump rescinded the invitation to the team and, instead, hosted a brief event labeled as a “patriotic celebration.” This included performances of the Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America by a military band and chorus.
NOT ANTI-AMERICAN
He also launched a scathing attack in a statement, “The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow.
“They 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.”
Being disinvited riled some players, who then complained Trump was unfairly painting them as anti-American.
NFL head coach annual salaries
1. Andy Reid – Chiefs – $20 million
2. Sean Payton – Broncos – $18 million
=3. Mike Tomlin – Steelers – $16 million
=3. Jim Harbaugh – Chargers – $16 million
5. Sean McVay – Rams – $15 million
6. Kyle Shanahan – 49ers – $14 million
7. John Harbaugh – Ravens – $12 million
=8. Dan Campbell – Lions – $11 million
=8. Sean McDermott – Bills – $11 million
10. Mike MacDonald – Seahawks – $10 million
The Associated Press reported in 2018 that the Republican also had beef with the team’s outspoken owner, Jeffrey Lurie, a Trump critic.
John Killion, a lifelong Eagles fan who lives in Florida, said he was “devastated and infuriated” by the communication breakdown which he blamed on the Eagles owners.
“I waited my whole life for the Eagles to win the Super Bowl and they were going to be congratulated at the White House.
“And I don’t really care who you like or dislike, it shouldn’t be about that,” he said at the time of the row.
MADE HISTORY
On Sunday, Trump made history by becaming the first U.S president in office to attend a Super Bowl.
He jetted to the Caesars Superdome to watch the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles.
Trump, 78, arrived in New Orleans shortly before kick-off, and shook hands with players and local police.
Emotional Chiefs star Chris Jones broke down in tears during the national anthem.
But, Trump reportedly left early at halftime as the Chiefs were down 24-0 at halftime.
The president had picked the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl on Sunday.
However, Philadelphia delighted fans with a 40-22 victory.
MYSTERY OVER EVENT
The big question now is, will the Chiefs now agree to attend a White House celebration?
Yahoo! Sports reckons that the president still harbors a huge grudge, “There’s a possibility that Trump won’t extend an invitation because of what happened in 2018.”
Plus, an anonymous source has indicated to The U.S. Sun that the Eagles may snub an invitation to the White House for a second time.
Lurie was asked directly last Wednesday by Front Office Sports about a potential White House visit.
He deflected the question, and replied that the team was focused on winning.
However, a member of the ownership group told this publication, “If we win the Super Bowl, we wouldn’t go to the White House.”
A current player echoed those sentiments, claiming that “pretty much everyone” decided they would refuse to meet the President.
TRUMP PLAYED FOOTBALL
As a student, Trump played high school football.
And while a business baron, he owned a team – a rival to the NFL – and then sued the established league.
Prior to the big event, Trump released a statement saying he “looked forward to joining fans to cheer on two great teams.
“Football is America’s most popular sport—for good reason—it fosters a sense of national unity, bringing families, friends, and fans together and strengthening communities.
“May the best team win.”
According to Nielsen, the event attracted an average audience of 123.7 million viewers in the U.S., and a total international audience of 62.5 million.
