Pederson: Eagles' true fans are beside us, and we're beside them
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson addressed the media Wednesday for the first time since President Donald Trump disinvited the team from the White House.
"We've got the greatest fans in the National Football League. When we had that parade back in February ... Our true fans, they're beside us, we're beside them," Pederson said.
Pederson was prepared to attend a ceremony celebrating the Super Bowl LII champions Tuesday, but the Eagles contingent would have consisted of only the coach, his wife, owner Jeffrey Lurie, and lone confirmed player Nick Foles, reported NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
President Trump disinvited the team Monday, noting the small size of the delegation in his statement, and another statement from the White House on Tuesday accused the Eagles of abandoning their fans.
Pederson admitted he was disappointed that he and the team were unable to make the trip. He added that he didn't feel a team meeting was required to address the situation and the club remains united.
"I was looking forward to going down, obviously. We did something last season that is very special. It's a milestone here in the city of Philadelphia ... I was looking forward to going down and being recognized as world champions. It is what it is," Pederson said.
He said he didn't want to field future questions about the situation.
"What you've seen and what you've heard is enough," the coach said.