Chris Long, a defensive end for the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and one of six members of the team to refuse to go to the White House, unleashed a storm of tweets on Thursday to confront some of the criticism he has been facing.
Of the six players to refuse the offer to meet President Trump to celebrate their Super Bowl victory, four have cited political reasons for their boycott.
In Long's 14-tweet storm, he shared a screenshot of some of the messages he has received and added in a gif, Mediaite reported on Friday.
He started off his Twitter rampage by saying, "Rapid fire time, yeah?"
Heard it all this week...if you don't want to hear about some of the dumb shit I've heard...mute away, but it's good. Rapid fire time, yeah?
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"Respect the office" Ok birther theory guy
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"Stick to football" you don't look like a state senator yourself there bud.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"I hope they cut you" I'm a free agent.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"stop being self important. I'm no longer a fan" I'm self important but you thought this was important enough to bring to my attention, eh?
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"You just wanna be a cool lib" Actually I'm well aware the minute I believe something they don't, libs will hit me w this GIF pic.twitter.com/yvc9iBskvm
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"You just wanna be a cool lib"
As a football player, liberals thought I was a living, breathing piece of steak before I agreed with them.— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"You hate the troops" The secondary focus of my foundation (out of two causes) is veteran support. Do your research. Also, not relatable.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"You hate white people" You realize all humans that live in America should be concerned? Also that assumption says something about you.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"You hate white people" Oh yeah, for sure. I despise them but I named my son (who is white) after an outlaw country singer.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"Stop believing the media." Dude I just saw you retweet Fox News.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"You should go talk to trump if you want change" I'm skipping a photo op, not a congressional hearing.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
"You should go talk to trump if you want change" I'm skipping a photo op, not a congressional hearing.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017
So I've listened to it all week. And it's sparse really. Most people aren't ridiculous. Thought y'all may enjoy that thread.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017