James Harrison was the Defensive Player of the Year in the NFL and a big reason why the Steelers reached and won the Super Bowl this past season. The win marked Harrison’s second Super Bowl win in his career, meaning his team was invited to the White House to be honored and recognized by the President once again. Harrison declined the invitation to attend the first ceremony and will do the same this time around as well. He explained his decision to WTAE:
“This is how I feel — if you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don’t win the Super Bowl. As far as I’m concerned, he [Obama] would’ve invited Arizona if they had won.”
Man, I am all for the idea of not wanting to bend over for anyone or smooch butt, but this is the President we’re talking about here, not some team passing you up in the draft or a coach saying you’re not good enough. There’s no reason to hold the grudge against the Prez — these things are determined beforehand — everyone knows the winning team of all major sporting events gets honored at the White House. It’s not like the Prez is channel surfing ESPN for players to hang out with and play golf with, he’s got a few other things to take care of. If Harrison had won MVP would he have declined the invitation to Disneyland saying Disneyland should come visit him?
I appreciate Harrison’s attitude, edge, and underdog mentality, but being invited because of tradition isn’t a sign of disrespect. I hope he doesn’t get pressured into going now that he’s shared his thoughts and sure to take criticism — he should stick to his guns.
