Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison says that he is going to skip the champion Steelers’ trip to the White House. Harrison doesn’t mention any political reason or scheduling conflict that prevents him from going. He just says, “I don’t feel it’s that big a deal to me”.

Seriously James? A chance to meet the President of the United States, one of the most powerful men in the world. A chance to forever have a picture with the first African-American President in the United State and to show that picture to your grand kids. A chance to put meager football players in comparison with the real world and the real problems beyond football. And you’re passing it all up.

James Harrison just doesn’t think it’s important though.

The fact that championship teams always meet and get a picture with the President has always confused me. What makes them deserve that? The answer I’ve come to is that it puts sports in perspective. Players are looked upon as larger-than-life heroes wherever they go. Place them next to President Obama though and they shrink to normal human beings.

Here’s the thing. I’m fine with Harrison missing the visit to the White House, but for no reason? If he had a problem with Obama’s agenda and skipped it to send a message, I’m fine with that. Even if I disagree with his opinion, at least I know he has a real reason for skipping.

But Harrison says that if Obama wants to “see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don’t win the super bowl”. Woah! James, Obama isn’t seeing the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pittsburgh Steelers are meeting President Obama. Harrison’s comments are not okay. They are arrogant, inappropriate, and really shocking. He should love this opportunity, whether it be to thank Obama or speak out against him. This is a platform few people get: A chance to voice your political opinion and have people hear you.

Not just that, but Harrison’s comments send the message that he does not care about the United States, its government, or his duty as an American citizen. He’s a role model to kids and he’s not living up to his responsibilities. At this point though, if Harrison changes his mind and decides he wants to visit the White House, he shouldn’t be allowed to go. After these absurd comments, he doesn’t deserve to.