Saquon Barkley said he could understand the backlash over his golf outing and Air Force One trip with President Donald Trump, but maintained that spending time with the president did not amount to a political endorsement. The Philadelphia Eagles running back’s comments matter because the appearance drew criticism shortly before the Super Bowl-winning team visited the White House.

Barkley’s visit followed a 2,000-yard season in which he was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He also addressed developments involving his former team, the New York Giants, saying he was pleased that key figures had resolved their differences.