:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59953691/914354270.jpg.0.jpg)
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney released a statement defending the Eagles in light of Donald Trump rescinding the Super Bowl champions’ invitation to the White House on Monday evening. It’s safe to say Kenney did not mince words.
“The Eagles call the birthplace of our democracy home, so it’s no surprise that this team embodies everything that makes our country and our city great. Their athletic accomplishments on the field led to an historic victory this year. Fans all across the country rallied behind them because we like to root for the underdog and we feel joy when we see the underdogs finally win. I’m equally proud of the Eagles’ activism off the field. These are players who stand up for the causes they believe in and who contribute in meaningful ways to their community. They represent the diversity of our nation—a nation in which we are free to express our opinions.
“Disinviting them from the White House only proves that our President is not a true patriot, but a fragile egomaniac obsessed with crowd size and afraid of the embarrassment of throwing a party to which no one wants to attend.
“City Hall is always open for a celebration.”
Kenney wasn’t the only politician to come to the Eagles’ defense. Senator Bob Casey invited the team to the United States Capitol Building.
I’m proud of what the @Eagles accomplished this year. I’m skipping this political stunt at the White House and just invited the Eagles to Congress. @Eagles How about a tour of the Capitol? https://t.co/niWR7zkSYx
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) June 4, 2018
Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf also stood up for the Eagles.
Statement from @GovernorTomWolf spokesman: “Pa. is proud of our Super Bowl champions and their contributions to our commonwealth on and off the field. No amount of political silliness in Washington will damper our enthusiasm or take away the victory for the Eagles or their fans.”
— Aaron Kasinitz (@AaronKazreports) June 5, 2018
Trump’s original statement said the Eagles were uninvited to the White House because they “disagree with the President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem.” Yet, no member of the Eagles’ Super Bowl roster did not stand for anthem in 2017.