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Patriots defensive end takes to Twitter to roast people criticizing his decision not to visit the White House
(Julio Cortez/AP)
Chris Long is one of several New England Patriots who has said he would not visit President Donald Trump's White House after winning the Super Bowl.
The decision has opened Long and the others up to criticism from people who think politics should be put aside and that the team should go for the celebration.
On Thursday, Long, who is a free agent, apparently had enough. He posted rebuttals on Twitter to some of the more frequent criticisms he's heard about his decision.
"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
The Washington Post pointed out that the Patriots website suggested Long, a 31-year-old defensive end, "won't likely be back" in Foxborough next season.
"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
"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
Long's Twitter rant drew the support of Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett, who has also said he would not go to the White House.
@JOEL9ONE 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 miss you bro. Well kinda. I'm gonna FaceTime you today, so that I can laugh.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 17, 2017
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who did not go to the White House after the Patriots' win in 2015 because of scheduling conflicts, said this week that visiting the White House is an honor and not about politics.
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