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Defensive end Chris Long spoke out on NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's silence in the wake of the White House rescinding the invitation to the Philadelphia Eagles. President Donald Trump's action came after the White House was informed that the Eagles' delegation would be much smaller than expected -- reportedly fewer than 10 people total.
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"He didn't say anything?" Long asked reporters of Goodell on Wednesday. "Hey, I don't speak for the commissioner. If he doesn't want to stand up for the players, that's not really my business."
Long didn't stop there.
"I know my teammates are great men," the 33-year-old said. "There's men of faith in this locker room, there's men who serve their communities, men who have a lot to give back to people with a lot less, and they don't have to do that at all. What the commissioner wants to do, that's not my business."
Long said repeatedly that he wasn't intending to go to the White House on Tuesday. He also skipped the New England Patriots' visit a year ago.
While Goodell hasn't publicly commented as of yet, the NFL Players' Association released a statement on Tuesday morning regarding the White House's decision against hosting the Super Bowl champions.
"Our Union is disappointed in the decision by the White House to disinvite players from the Philadelphia Eagles from being recognized and celebrated by all Americans for their accomplishment," the statement read. "This decision by the White House has led to the cancellation of several player-led community service events for young people in the Washington, D.C. area.
"NFL players love their country, support our troops, give back to their communities and strive to make America a better place."
