Eagles Still Haven't Scheduled Visit to Donald Trump, White House

The 2017 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles still have not scheduled a visit to the White House for the customary meeting with the president, according to Ken Belson and Michael D. Shear of the New York Times, though an invitation has been extended.

"We have been in conversations with the Eagles about timing and are working with them to make it happen," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. "We hope to have something finalized in the next couple of weeks."

A spokesperson for the Eagles confirmed those talks:

"We have been in contact with White House representatives and are currently discussing the logistics of an upcoming visit to Washington. We are honored to receive this invitation and view this not only as an opportunity to be recognized for our on-field accomplishments, but also as an opportunity to engage in productive dialogue with the leaders of our country."

The relationship between President Donald Trump and the NFL and its players became contentious this season, when Trump referred to any player who protested racial inequality and police brutality by taking a knee during the national anthem as a "son of bitch" who should be kicked off of their team.

Current Eagles players Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Long and former Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith, who was a part of the Super Bowl-winning side, said they wouldn't visit the White House. 

Smith explained his reasoning during an interview on CNN: 

"It's not just about politics. If I told you I was invited to a party by a person who was sexist, or has no respect for women, or has said many offensive things toward multiple minority groups—and this individual also called many of my peers SOBs—you would understand why I wouldn't want to go to that party. So why is it any different when this person has the title of president of the United States? It's really that simple to me. I don't think it's really something that I personally feel inclined to be involved with."

Long and LeGarrette Blount didn't attend the White House festivities last year while members of the New England Patriots.

Trump's contentious relationship with athletes extends beyond the NFL. After Stephen Curry and his Golden State Warriors teammates said they were considering skipping the visit following their championship, Trump rescinded the invitation.