Barkley spoke about it on an episode of ‘The Steam Room’

Rumors of the Philadelphia Eagles potentially skipping a White House visit to celebrate their Super Bowl LIX victory took social media by storm at the end of February.

The talk swirled even as the Eagles had yet to receive an official invite. President Donald Trump did finally invite the team to Washington, D.C., but the talk of them not going ignited a take from Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.

“The Round Mound of Rebound” said on “The Steam Room” that the possibility of teams skipping the White House visit because of Trump was “stupid.”

“I don’t care who the president is,” Barkley said, via Awful Announcing. “He’s the president of the United States. It’s bothered me the last 10 years, they’re like, ‘Well, I’m not going because this certain person is president.’ Dude, it’s the president of the United States.

“Even though I disagree with President Trump on some things, if I met him, I would still give him the respect and dignity he deserves. We can disagree, but it bothers me when these teams don’t want to go to the White House. I’m just disappointed … we got so divided. Where did we get to as a country when we’re like, ‘We’re not going to the White House, we don’t like who’s in there.’ That’s just stupid.”

Tensions between the president and athletes appeared to simmer since he started his second term.

The Eagles skipped the White House visit during his presidency over tensions about players kneeling during the national anthem.

However, during the 2024 presidential election campaign, more athletes showed support for Trump against then-Vice President Kamala Harris.

For decades, visiting the White House has been a long-standing tradition for championship-winning sports teams across various leagues, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. This prestigious invitation symbolizes national recognition for their achievements, allowing players and coaches to celebrate their victories with the sitting U.S. president. The tradition dates back to the 1800s, with early instances including baseball teams meeting with President Andrew Johnson. Over time, the visits have evolved into elaborate ceremonies featuring speeches, photo opportunities, and even special gifts exchanged between the team and the president.

In the modern era, some of the most iconic championship teams have made memorable visits. The 1985 Chicago Bears had their White House visit delayed due to the Challenger disaster but were later honored by President Obama in 2011. The Golden State Warriors, after winning multiple NBA titles, had mixed experiences, including declining an invitation in 2017 due to political disagreements. The New England Patriots, one of the most successful NFL franchises, have visited the White House several times, with players sometimes opting out for personal reasons. These visits often serve as moments of unity, showcasing the intersection of sports and national pride.

However, White House visits have not always been free from controversy. In recent years, political tensions have led to teams declining invitations or individual players choosing not to attend. The 2018 Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles were uninvited by President Trump after several players expressed reluctance to go. Similarly, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, after winning the 2019 championship, chose not to visit, citing logistical challenges rather than political reasons. These instances highlight how sports and politics have increasingly intertwined, making White House visits a more complex and sometimes divisive tradition.

Despite the controversies, many teams still embrace the tradition as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Players, coaches, and staff members often see it as an opportunity to celebrate their hard work and achievements on a national stage. Even when political disagreements arise, the tradition remains a significant part of American sports culture, symbolizing the unity and impact of sports beyond the game itself. Whether teams choose to attend or decline, the tradition of championship teams visiting the White House continues to be a reflection of the evolving relationship between sports, society, and politics.