From the Super Bowl to the White House, the New England Patriots are, once again, making headlines.
Tight end Martellus Bennett, Pro Bowl safety Devin McCourty, Running back, defensive end Chris Long, Dont’a Hightower, and defensive tackle Alan Branch with a possibility Running back James White are voicing their refusal to go the White House for various reasons.
Bennett and McCourty who are known for their protests against racial and economic inequality last season have voiced their displeasure with our current president.
I’m not going to the White House. Basic reason for me is I don’t feel accepted in the White House. With the president having so many strong opinions and prejudices, I believe certain people might feel accepted there while others won’t.”
Pro Bowl safety Devin McCourty, a team captain, Time magazine interview.
Bennett and McCourty joined San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protest by raising their fists in protest in solidarity during a game in September and Long spoke in support of it.
What prompted the refusal? New York Daily News’ Chuck Modiano wrote an open letter to Chris Long asking him to join his teammates. Chris Long responded with the tweet below:
Oh Chuck. Planned on skipping, hadn't been asked. Don't need an open letter explaining my own words to me. Not *joining* anyone. My call. https://t.co/XWo9x2XT40
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 9, 2017
It is a celebrity’s civic duty to use their fame and fortune to voice their opinions so it will increase awareness to various civil issues. We cannot deny the influence they have on the youth and voters. We need more celebrities to take a stand.
Congratulations to the New England Patriots for their victory in Super Bowl 51.
Featured image by Billie Weiss /Getty Images