Oakland Raiders punter Chris Kluwe has been known for his outspoken opinions on many topics, including gay and lesbian rights, and despite his strong feelings about the issue, the former Vikings star has decided to put the team's needs in front of his own after being invited to the White House.
According to NFL.com, Kluwe decided to decline and invitation to the White House in Washington D.C. for a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Pride Reception, as the date of it on June 13 conflicts with the Raiders mandatory offseason minicamp. Kluwe tweeted about the decision and said that he was concentrating on giving his full commitment to the team after signing him. Kluwe was released from the Vikings after the team covered its tracks by drafting Jeff Locke in the fifth round so they could cut Kluwe without anyone thinking it was sue to his outspoken stances on gay right and other issues.
Kluwe spent some time as a free agent before signing with the Vikings and it is very likely that he will end up being the starter in Oakland after putting in solid years in Minnesota. During his time with the Vikings he averaged over 44 yards per punt during eight seasons and now he has the chance to play for the Raiders. Kluwe tweeted out a picture of a letter he wrote to decline the invitation and while he was saddened to do so, he stated his commitment to his new team after being released as the main reason why he declined. He also added that he did not ask to skip practice so that he could go to the event as well.
The Raiders have the chance to be one of the most improved teams in the NFL next season and Kluwe is one reason why. After Shane Lechler left to the Houston Texans, Oakland needed to replace the greatest punter of all-time and now they have one of the best in the league to do so. Kluwe is another free agent veteran added to the team after names like Nick Roach, Charles Woodson, Tracy Porter as well as Mike Jenkins and the Raiders are expecting good production from those player.
