Falcons' Mohamed Sanu avoids talk on Trump's immigration ban

HOUSTON – Ahead of Super Bowl LI, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu isn't interested in talking about President Trump's executive order banning immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

"Of course, I mean, my name is Mohamed," Sanu said Monday night in a press conference at Super Bowl Opening Night in Minute Maid Park. "I'm here because of my football talents, not because I’m Muslim. And I'm here to talk about football. So if you guys are going to continue to ask me about my religious beliefs, then I’m going to continue to tell you the same thing: I’m here to talk about football. I respect all you guys, I have tremendous love for all you guys, but I'm here to talk about football."

Sanu fielded questions about the ban six times in his first four minutes at the podium during the hour-long session. He repeatedly deflected and instead deferred to his team’s preparation against the New England Patriots.

"I have some feelings but I'm not really going to talk about it now," Sanu said. "Thank you."

On Sunday, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Ryan Harris told The Denver Post he was disheartened by Trump's decision, which shuts down the entire U.S. refugee program for 120 days and bans all Syrian refugees indefinitely.

“Hate crimes have been escalating since the election,” Harris, who used to play for the Denver Broncos, told The Post. “Even here in Denver, reported swastika graffiti has increased. These are things that we understood from the language that some of our elected officials use and have used. This is exactly from the playbook of hatred and divisiveness. But I believe, and others I spend my time with, believe in the love of another human being and continue to support others who are marginalized.”

By the end of Monday night’s session, Sanu appeared to be getting frustrated with the numerous inquiries, but did not waver on his stance and respectfully declined to address the issue each time. Through half an hour, Sanu received 11 questions about the ban.

“It is what it is,” Sanu said. “You just have to hope for the best and pray.”

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