Chris Long Goes off on Twitter Fools About White House Visit

Chris Long is one of a handful of New England Patriots players who have publicly stated that they would not attend a ceremony honoring their Super Bowl victory at the White House. They have been praised in some corners, while also taking a lot of guff from the internet's Fuming Pepe community. Long has explained his position, saying he has "plenty of serious political reasons" not to go, but that at the end of the day he's making a personal decision. In the current climate of exactly zero nuance or capacity to accept that reasonable minds can disagree on things, this has not gone over well. So, Long tried to hash it out on Twitter.

One user appears to have been the breaking point, telling Long to both "be a man" and "be tolerant not intolerant." (Brief moment of pause here to note that the current occupant of the White House silenced a Jewish reporter and called him a liar when he asked a question about growing anti-semitism in the country in the midst of his wildfire-side chat yesterday.) Long then decided to drop some knowledge on the timeline.

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

I think that's it but check this gem out. Bye for now! pic.twitter.com/4kyxRgG4bV
— 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

Last thing… not a libertarian. I thought I wanted to be one. Was desperate for a third party to support. Couldn't do it.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017

And the kicker (it's worth clicking through, promise):

Lmao this guy's name https://t.co/cN6t2JQgaj
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 17, 2017

Long speaks a lot of truth in these brief tweets—most fans assume athletes are dumb and should #sticktosports, and most people, regardless of politics, react poorly when others disagree with them, and, really, the visit really is just a photo op. In the end, maybe folks should heed the words of NFL Living Legend Tom Brady: "if people don't want to go they don't want to go and that's their choice."