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After years of speculation and tension over White House visits, the Philadelphia Eagles ultimately accepted an invitation in March to celebrate their latest Super Bowl win
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But ahead of that visit Monday, running back Saquon Barkley was spotted golfing with President Trump and now he's firing back at critics online
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The pair was seen together at Trump's golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey Sunday before traveling to Washington, D.C. later that same day
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What a nice guy he is. Photos and videos quickly sparked a wave of online reactions with many fans criticizing Barkley
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But he was quick to respond to those comments on X Monday morning, saying
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Maybe I just respect the office. Not a hard concept to understand
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Just golfed with Obama not too long ago and look forward to finishing my round with Trump
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Now get out of my mentions with all of the politics and have an amazing day
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In 2018, the Eagles' last White House visit was canceled by President Trump
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stemming from tensions over national anthem protests and limited player participation But this time around it seems both sides are ready to put the past behind them This is a time tradition being invited by the White House
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There were special circumstances back then that were very different. And so this was kind of an obvious choice and I look forward to it
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Or at least for the most part, because not everyone may be as eager
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Quarterback Jalen Hurts addressed the visit at the 2025 Time 100 Gala in New York Thursday, and when asked if he plans to attend, his response was short
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Are you planning on visiting the White House next week? Thank you so much
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And according to an NBC News White House correspondent, a White House official confirmed Monday afternoon that Hertz is among several players who will not attend, citing scheduling conflicts
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With Straight Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or visit san.com for more
