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Multiple New England Patriots players are boycotting the tradition of going to the White House after their Super Bowl win because they refuse to meet with President Donald Trump.
After the team’s win at Super Bowl LI Sunday, tight end Martellus Bennett was the first to announce his decision to bow out of the upcoming visit. Since then, multiple players have echoed his sentiment.
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While it’s unlikely Tom Brady will join these ranks, here is a running list of Patriots players not attending:
Martellus Bennett
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“I will not be going,” Bennett said. “It is what it is. People know how I feel about it. Just follow me on Twitter.” The player said at a prior date that he doesn’t “support the guy in the house.”
Devin McCourty
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The free safety said he would not be attending because he doesn't feel "accepted" by the Trump administration.
“I’m not going to the White House,” McCourty told TIME. “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.”
“I’m not going to the White House,” McCourty told TIME. “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.”
Dont'a Hightower
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The linebacker replied simply that he's "been there, done that" when it comes to post–Super Bowl White House visits. He previously skipped a meet-and-greet with President Barack Obama.
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LeGarrette Blount
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Blount said he's skipping the event because he "doesn't feel welcome."
“I just don’t feel welcome into that house,” the running back said. “I’m just gonna leave it at that.”
“I just don’t feel welcome into that house,” the running back said. “I’m just gonna leave it at that.”
Chris Long
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Defensive end Chris Long tweeted that he will not be going to the White House after a New York Daily News open letter urged him to not attend.
"Planned on skipping, hadn't been asked. Don't need an open letter explaining my own words to me. Not *joining* anyone. My call," he wrote.
"Planned on skipping, hadn't been asked. Don't need an open letter explaining my own words to me. Not *joining* anyone. My call," he wrote.
Alan Branch
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The defensive tackle will be spending time with his family instead of hanging out with Trump.
“I’m just going to hang out with the family and continue celebrating until the next season starts,” he told radio host Alex Marvez.
“I’m just going to hang out with the family and continue celebrating until the next season starts,” he told radio host Alex Marvez.
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