Context:

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts faced backlash on social media for attending the Met Gala instead of the White House Super Bowl celebration, citing 'scheduling conflicts' as the reason for his absence from the latter. His wife, Bry Burrows, accompanied him to the gala, which was held to celebrate the opening of an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other Eagles players, including wide receivers AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, also skipped the White House visit, while teammate Saquon Barkley attended the Met Gala and defended his interactions with President Trump on social media. Barkley, who had previously played golf with Trump and Obama, argued for respecting the office of the presidency regardless of political views. Despite the criticism, some individuals supported Hurts' decision to prioritize personal commitments over the White House visit.

Dive Deeper:

• Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, was criticized for attending the Met Gala rather than the White House Super Bowl celebration, explaining his absence was due to 'scheduling conflicts'.

• Accompanied by his wife Bry Burrows, Hurts attended the prestigious Met Gala, celebrating the 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• Several other Eagles players, including star wide receivers AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, also missed the White House event, highlighting a broader trend among team members.

• Saquon Barkley, another Eagles player, joined Hurts at the Met Gala and defended his own choice to interact with President Trump on social media, emphasizing a respect for the presidency regardless of personal politics.

• Barkley, who has golfed with both Trump and Obama, expressed his frustration with the political backlash, stating it was important to separate respect for the office from political opinions.

• Despite the social media criticism Hurts received, there were fans and commentators who supported his decision to prioritize his personal and professional commitments over attending the White House event.

• The controversy surrounding these decisions underscores the ongoing conversation about athletes' roles in political and social engagements, particularly when they involve high-profile public figures.