In a high-level meeting last October, Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie called Donald Trump’s presidency “disastrous,” according to audio obtained by the New York Times.
The comment came at a meeting where many of the owners, players, and league executives were present to discuss the anthem kneeling and the president’s comments about firing players.
“Another fact I want to throw out there: Many of us have no interest in supporting President Trump,” Mr. Lurie said, according to a recording of the meeting obtained by The New York Times. “Yes, there are some. There are some players who do, too.”
“But this is not where you brandish a group of people because they own assets in a sport we love, supporting what many of us perceive as, you know, one disastrous presidency,” he said, using a vulgarity to emphasize “disastrous,” then adding, “Don’t quote me.”
According to the FEC, Lurie donated $2,700 to Hillary Clinton’s campaign in 2015.
The team said it is planning a visit to the White House to celebrate its first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. (RELATED: The Eagles Are Planning Their White House Visit)
Eagles statement on being invited to the White House following their Super Bowl win: “We have been in contact with White House representatives and are currently discussing the logistics of an upcoming visit to Washington. We are honored to receive this… https://t.co/7wKGPKnw4L
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) April 23, 2018
Several players have already said that they will not go to the White House. Chris Long and LaGarrett Blount won back-to-back Super Bowls with the Patriots in 2017 and the Eagles in 2018. Neither went back in 2017, and neither are expected to go this time around. Torrey Smith also said he does not plan on going.
Other champions have both gone to the White House and some have declined the invitation entirely. The Golden State Warriors’ invitation was rescinded by the President, the Houston Astros went, as did Alabama’s football team.