Mike Trout, the Los Angeles Angels’ superstar, has said he’d jump at the chance to visit the White House if his team clinches a World Series title soon.
Even though the team, which chalked up a record-breaking 99 losses last season, isn’t pegged as likely champs this year, Trout’s not stopped fantasising about a trip down to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Speaking with The SportsLodge, when quizzed whether he’d visit Washington D.C. for the customary presidential welcome following a triumph within the next quadrennial, Trout didn’t dither much before dropping a straightforward “Yeah.”
The chatter about the time-honoured meet-and-greet between champs and POTUS kicked off again post the Philadelphia Eagles‘ stellar 40-22 Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs, lighting fires under a hot debate. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump gave the nod that the Eagles—who by the by, are Trout’s top-pick NFL team—would nab an invite to the Oval Office.
“They will be [invited], we haven’t yet, but we will be,” he dished out to the press pack. “I thought it was a great performance by them and absolutely they’ll be extended an invitation. Would you do that right away by the way? We’ll do it right away, we’re going to do it sometime today. They deserve to be down here and we hope to see them.”
Multiple credible sources have quashed rumours that Philadelphia would decline a White House visit if extended the offer. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X: “To those wondering: Eagles sources say the team is planning on visiting the White House this off-season and looks forward to receiving its invitation,” while NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted: “The #Eagles would be honored to visit The White House, team sources say after conversations today. It’s one of the aspects of winning they are excited about and look forward to receiving the invitation.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Following the Eagles’ triumph in Super Bowl LII with a 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots, their anticipated White House visit was scrapped due to a dispute with Trump regarding the stance on standing during the National Anthem.
At that time, internal talks among Philadelphia players and staff resulted in only a handful agreeing to make the journey, rather than the entire squad. However, before they could set off for the White House, Trump withdrew their invitation.
“The Philadelphia Eagles are unable to come to the White House with their full team to be celebrated tomorrow,” he declared back then. “They disagree with their President because he insists that they proudly stand for the National Anthem, hand on heart, in honor of the great men and women of our military and the people of our country. The Eagles wanted to send a smaller delegation, but the 1,000 fans planning to attend the event deserve better.”
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
