So the man doesn’t want to go to the White House…at least he’s consistent and it’s not based on political party affiliation. Â Harrison didn’t go to the White House after the Steelers won Super Bowl XL either. Â Granted, he now has the opportunity to meet President Obama and I don’t share his decision…I definitely would have accecpted the invitation…
But amongst all you Steeler haters out there, don’t you think the man has a point? It wasn’t a “special” invitation for the Steelers – it would have been offered to any team that won the Super Bowl. He’s not going because Obama isn’t necessarily a Steelers fan (like me) who supports the team on any given day win or lose. Â If you think hard and get past his silly interview on Sports Center, you might just see he does have a point.
It’s still not a decision I would make, and I don’t defend his interview or what seemed ignorance.
But think about it….does he have a point?
Thoughts?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
He only has a point if you think the point of the invitation is to celebrate the Steelers. If you imagine that the point of the invitation is to celebrate achievement, hard work, team work – values we all share – then no, he’s a pompous ass.
He isn’t the first, nor the last athlete to make a statement that seemed to be ignorant. That said, no matter what player said it, it would get major coverage because it’s NFL related. Any tidbit, rumor or nonsense from the #1 sports league gets incessant coverage, whether warranted or not. In the end, though, it’s not really that big a deal.
Wow, I didn’t even realize @ The Brad King read my blog! Good points…on the values, hard work and team work.
@Tracy – also good points.
My initial reaction was, “Seriously James, Why would you say that” but I have chilled out a little since then. At least the dude is consistent with his actions. And he did ask Obama to come to a game…
I still wouldn’t have made that choice. I woulda had jerseys (NOT pink) for Malia and Sasha and would have given them a football to throw around out by that big swing set in the “back yard” and taught them to be football fans like…..dare I say it? Ah what the heck, Condi.
Yawn. Let the man live. (not YOU….just sayin)
James Harrison cares about what James Harrison cares about. He doesn’t care what you think.
Despite the widespread admiration for the White House’s current occupants, the trip is not a big deal. I PROMISE you if the Rooneys/Tomlin said he HAD to go…he would.
They didn’t…He isn’t.
The end.
I kinda think it’s important to remember that James Harrison is a football player (a darn fine one at that) and not a politician or even a spokesperson. He isn’t saying that his teammates shouldn’t go, or even that he opposes El Presidente. He has avoided hype and media in general for his whole career, that’s pretty much what the white house visit is (even if its pretty cool hype). He showed up for the victory parade in Pittsburgh, is good to the fans, is liked in the locker room, and I’m pretty sure he pays his taxes. I guess it just doesn’t seem like a big deal to me if he isnt up for the media frenzy of a White house visit. Even with the media bitz, he doesn’t seem concern to write blogs defending himself, or go on late night talk shows to set the record straight. He is just doing his thing, and people are flippin out. OK I’m ranting, sorry Steelergurl. James isn’t a national traitor or a bad person. He is just authentic, and I think that is kinda refreshing.