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Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long is not shy to speak his mind.
That was the case once again on Friday morning when Long came to defend LeBron James against criticism from Fox News host Laura Ingraham.
Following an Uninterrupted video where James criticized President Donald Trump, Ingraham went on a rant about the NBA star during her show.
“Look, there might be a cautionary lesson in LeBron for kids. This is what happens when you attempt to leave high school a year early to join the NBA. And it’s always unwise to seek political advice from someone who gets paid $100 million a year to bounce a ball. Oh, LeBron and Kevin [Durant], you’re great players but no one voted for you. Millions elected Trump to be their coach.”
“So, keep the political commentary to yourself, or, as someone once said, shut up and dribble.”
Ingraham’s argument that James is not qualified to speak on politics because he’s an athlete did not sit well with Long.
In an effort to highlight the hypocrisy of Fox News, Long went on a Twitter rant about how the station features a lot of guests who aren’t exactly known for being political experts.
I’ll be replying to my own tweet with a collage of your network allowing political commentary from a few folks. https://t.co/WUGl1WQSLE
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
ANACONDA GUY pic.twitter.com/FwutOPeBPH
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
MUSICIAN pic.twitter.com/vb2d9UIFRC
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
BASKETBALL. COACH. pic.twitter.com/IA7aRH2GR5
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
CHUCK. NORRIS. pic.twitter.com/DVVOnqYUil
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
TED NUGENT #FOXNEWSSPECIALIST pic.twitter.com/xrPBiUDqFo
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
CLINT EASTWOOD pic.twitter.com/Ly7raoKFX1
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
FABIO. https://t.co/iq2dVqslIl
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
— Treb (@treblaw) February 16, 2018
I’m sure the network she works for has interviewed a bunch of athletes, just couldn’t find the screenshots quickly. The point is, what’s the prerequisite for who can talk politics? So, Fox News folks who agree with Laura... you okay with these segments?
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
And if you reply “stick to sports,” you should probably tune of out Fox News because they’ve got karate guys talking climate change on there. (Which I’m cool with... it’s his right.) Unless it’s just about you needing to feel like you’ve got control of athletes like Lebron.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
So here’s the thing. I can’t stand Curt’s views, but it’s his right to speak them. But the same people saying “stick to sports” and nodding their head when Laura spews her bullshit are tuning in to listen to Curt. “JUST SHUT UP AND THROW THAT BASEBALL” - said no Fox News viewer. https://t.co/YbEgQ408DA
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
EVERYONE FOLLOWS AN AGENDA. The conversation pertains to shutting down athletes speaking on politics or social issues based on some lack of merit, yet giving Fabio a platform. The left recruits all types of non experts to weigh in. Keep up. https://t.co/rjOcKBDsHY
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 16, 2018
Long is one of several Eagles players (along with Malcolm Jenkins and Torrey Smith) who heard “stick to sports” a lot last season due to their national anthem demonstrations and social justice efforts off the field.
Despite not sticking to sports, though, the team was able to go on to win the Super Bowl.