After this year’s historic Super Bowl victory over the Falcons, players from the New England Patriots have been announcing that they will be skipping the trip to the White House to meet with President Trump. We have compiled an ongoing list of these players and their reason for staying home.
Not going in protest of Trump:
Tight end Martellus Bennett:
Patriots TE Martellus Bennett said he will not go to the White House to honor Super Bowl win. Not worried about what his owner thinks.
Brandon George (@DMN_George) February 6, 2017
Defensive back Devin McCourty:
McCourty told TIME:
“I’m not going to the White House,” he wrote in a text message. “Basic reason for me is I don’t feel accepted in the White House. With the president having so many strong opinions and prejudices I believe certain people might feel accepted there while others won’t.”
Defensive lineman Chris Long:
Oh Chuck. Planned on skipping, hadn’t been asked. Don’t need an open letter explaining my own words to me. Not *joining* anyone. My call. https://t.co/XWo9x2XT40
Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) February 9, 2017
Running back LeGarrette Blount:
“I will NOT be going to the White House. I don’t feel welcome in that house. I’ll leave it at that.” –@LG_Blount
Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 9, 2017
Defensive lineman Alan Branch:
This is what Branch told The Boston Globe on why he’s not going to the White House:
I wouldnt spend time away from my family to shake the hand of a guy I wouldnt want to meet with or talk to, Branch, who also has a son, added. I cant see myself going and then hanging out with my kids and pretending everything was all right.
Branch also told the Boston Globe he was uncomfortable with the leaked Access Hollywood tape, where Trump said he would grab women by the genitals without their consent.
Branch was also offended when Trump said his lewd comments were simply locker-room banter. Ive never heard nor talked like that in my life in a locker room, and my 11th season is coming up, said the professional football player. The way he talked, so aggressively, Ive just never heard that. I am uncomfortable with that.
Simply not going:
Linebacker Dont’a Hightower:
“Been there, done that,” Dont’a Hightower said, also noting he didn’t go to White House in 2014 w/ Pats. Had previously been with Alabama.
Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) February 8, 2017
Not going because of family reasons:
Quarterback Tom Brady:
Tom Brady is not attending White House ceremony today due to “personal family matters.” His statement: pic.twitter.com/OIidVZX3VV
Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 19, 2017
