Bears Hall of Famer Hampton refuses White House invite

[DC Amp]

I don't know that I agree with Hampton but an interesting read.

Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Dan Hampton won't be attending the team's visit to the White House next month. The Hall of Famer told WLS-890 in Chicago that his decision is based on a "personal choice."

President Obama invited the 1985 Super Bowl championship team to visit Washington, D.C., earlier this month. The Bears had been scheduled to meet with President Reagan in January of 1986, but the Challenger disaster forced the White House to cancel the planned meeting.

Hampton gave three reasons for not attending:

More;

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Bears-Hall-of-Famer-Hampton-refuses-White-House-?urn=nfl-wp8216

[bauss]

I wouldn't go shake hands with Obama either.

[jasonluckydog]

This should be in the Panther forum, Coach Riveria is going to the White House to meet Obama!! or is he?

[rodeo]

This should be in the Panther forum, Coach Riveria is going to the White House to meet Obama!! or is he?

He has to work.

[necroplasm]

This should be in the Panther forum, Coach Riveria is going to the White House to meet Obama!! or is he?

If so, tell him to take off his bedroom slippers.

[DC Amp]

This should be in the Panther forum, Coach Riveria is going to the White House to meet Obama!! or is he?

I haven't heard anything to the contrary so I assume he will be going.

[bauss]

Rivera has already said the only way he is going is if he's picked up and transported by Airforce One. So in essence, he's not going.

[JawnyBlaze]

It's been reported in multiple sources that he said he isn't going because he wouldn't have time to prepare for the game vs the Saints (I believe it is). I'm too lazy to find a link. Just trust me :)

[Panthro]

Hampton is an idiot.

[MadHatter]

I do agree with his reason #3:

"It was 25 years ago. Let it go."

I'm sort of on Hampton's side on this one (though not enough to make it a valid excuse for declining). It's not like every Super Bowl team was going to the White House back then; the Bears were only the second team to get the invite. The 25-year-old canceled visit is a thinly veiled excuse to invite the team from Obama's adopted hometown for a visit. What about other championship squads? Where's John Riggins' and The Hogs' invite? The 1974 Dolphins can't get any love?! (And Florida's a swing state, Barack!)

[GritsRgreat]

Meh, I wouldn't go either.

[Panthro]

you're sooooo edgy

[2jakefansinva]

how much is this useless politicial move going to cost us???

[4Corners]

I don't know who Dan Hampton is, and I doubt anyone cares what his personal choices are.