Washington (CNN) President Donald Trump warned NFL players on Tuesday about "escaping" to locker rooms during the playing of the National Anthem after he rescinded an invitation for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to visit the White House.

"We will proudly be playing the National Anthem and other wonderful music celebrating our Country today at 3 P.M., The White House, with the United States Marine Band and the United States Army Chorus. Honoring America!" Trump posted on Twitter.

He added, "NFL, no escaping to Locker Rooms!," a reference to a new NFL policy giving players the option of remaining off the field during the playing of the anthem if they choose not to stand for it. Last month, the NFL announced teams could choose to require athletes in their arenas to stand during the playing of the anthem or face fines.

Trump's decision to cancel the visit over the protests -- which were spurred by black athletes over what they believe is systemic abuse by police against people of color -- threatens to reignite a long-simmering, racially-tinged controversy.

The decision was made abruptly Monday after the White House was informed very few players would be attending, a White House official told CNN. The White House later acknowledged that the low expected attendance was a key factor, saying in a statement the team "decided to abandon their fans."

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