Stephen A. Smith has hit out at Megyn Kelly over the commentator’s outburst about the Philadelphia Eagles and their upcoming visit to the White House.
Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he would invite the Super Bowl champions to the traditional celebration in the nation’s capital.
The president’s comments came a day after it emerged that the NFL team would be ‘honored’ to visit the White House following their victory over the Chiefs in New Orleans.
That cleared up speculation that the Eagles would turn down the chance to meet with Trump.
But the rumors sparked a furious reaction from Kelly, who joined Trump on his campaign trail last year ahead of the election in November.
‘GO F YOURSELVES EAGLES,’ the former Fox host posted on social media. ‘My husband is a fan so I got onboard but F this BS’.
Stephen A. Smith has hit out at Megyn Kelly over the commentator’s outburst about the Eagles
Kelly reacted angrily to speculation that Philadelphia’s players would not visit Washington
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans
Kelly was forced into a U-turn after it emerged that the Eagles would not snub the president.
‘Looks like the Eagles are prepared to do the right thing,’ she wrote. ‘This time.’
But ESPN star Smith, who has become more outspoken on political issues over recent months, still took issue with Kelly’s original outburst.
‘Was that necessary?’ Smith said. ‘Really? They ain’t feeling Trump. So what? 74million-plus people wasn’t feeling Trump (at the last election).
‘F them too? Come on, Megyn. You don’t need to do that. It’s just not necessary. And by the way…if any team was justified in not wanting to show up to the White House, it would be the Philadelphia Eagles.’
Philadelphia won the Super Bowl in February 2018, during Trump’s first term in office, but the team did not end up heading to the nation’s capital.
Following rumors of a potential player boycott, Trump disinvited the team from the customary visit. It came amid his war with the NFL over protests during national anthem.
‘And Megyn Kelly, if it’s gonna be “F the Eagles,” could it come from someone other than you?’ Smith continued.
The conservative journalist and former Fox host told Philadelphia to ‘go f yourselves’
Trump disinvited the Eagles from visiting the White House when they last won the Super Bowl
‘You’re great. I’m not gonna lie, I learn some things from watching Megyn Kelly. I mean, she knows her stuff. And she’s very compelling and very interesting…but was that necessary? Don’t let people bring you down to their level.
The ESPN star added: ‘Respectfully, in a very, very nice way because I am a fan, Megyn Kelly. Be nice. Be nice.’
Trump instructed his aides to reach out to the Eagles on Tuesday, telling reporters at the White House: ‘They will be (invited).
‘We haven’t yet but we will be. I thought it was a great performance by them and absolutely they’ll be extended that invitation,’ he said, before asking someone ‘do that right away’.
‘We’re going to do it sometime today. They deserve to be down here and we hope to see them.’