President Obama Invites the 1972 Dolphins to White House, Three Decline Because it’s a Chance to be a Grump

It’s getting to be that time of year again! NFL!  Time to argue with friends about your favorite team.  Time to place your very best predictions for the upcoming games. And, of course, time to start talking about whether or not any team has the potential to take the undefeated title from the 1972 Dolphins. Unfortunately today isn’t about the 1972 Dolphins, but more about a part of the team.

The 1972 Dolphins were one of the greatest teams in the history of the National Football League.  Because of that title, they have all become a bunch of Walter Matthau’s and Jack Lemon’s. For those of you who don’t get the reference, I’m calling them grumpy old men.

Today, President Obama is welcoming the team to the White House as a sort of recognition but three players from the undefeated squad won’t be making the trip.  Former Dolphins guard Bob Kuechenberg, center Jim Langer and defensive tackle Manny Fernandez have decided to skip the trip to the White House because of their differing views with President Obama.

Waaaaaaaah.

Come on!  This is football. You and your team, who is there without you, went undefeated and the feat hasn’t been accomplished since.  How about, for just one second, you grumpy assholes just put down your canes and wipe the smirks off your hog jowls and just celebrate a historic season?

1972wherearetheynow

The three former players talked with Dave Hyde of the Sun Sentinel about their decisions to sit this play out.

They’re respectful. They wish their teammates well. Bob Kuechenberg’s first words were, “I want to be careful, because mom said if you have nothing good to say about someone, then don’t say anything. I don’t have anything good to say about someone.”

This is where you realize a trip meant to be fun and 41 years in the making isn’t viewed as fun by everyone invited.

“We’ve got some real moral compass issues in Washington,” Hall of Fame center Jim Langer said. “I don’t want to be in a room with those people and pretend I’m having a good time. I can’t do that. If that [angers] people, so be it.”

“I’ll just say my views are diametrically opposed to the President’s,” Manny Fernandez said. “Enough said. Let’s leave it at that. I hope everyone enjoys the trip who goes.”

Someone needs to tell these guys that their playing days are behind them and the opportunities they have with their teammates at events like this are becoming more and more scarce.  Put the differences aside and go take a picture with the President and your team.

Then vote Republican in 2016.  That can be your ultimate “STAY OFF MY LAWN”.

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