Only behind perhaps a parade and a ring ceremony/banner raise, the trip to the White House is a staple tradition for each team whom wins a championship in the four major American sports to partake in.
Though regarded as an honor among most, at least one Patriot won’t attend, and wasted little time making it known after beating the Falcons in Super Bowl LI.
According to Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News, Patriots TE Martellus Bennett told reporters that he will not be accepting the invite from President Trump.
“I’m not going to go.” Bennet noted. “I don’t support the guy that’s in the house.” (per NJ Advance Media’s Matt Lombardo).
The Patriots have been linked with Trump ever since his run for office, with owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, all having obvious ties.
The POTUS tweeted out a congratulatory tweet to the Patriots, to who he is a fan of and correctly picked to win the Super Bowl.
What an amazing comeback and win by the Patriots. Tom Brady, Bob Kraft and Coach B are total winners. Wow!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 6, 2017
The refusal to visit the White House and meet the sitting president isn’t new to the Patriots though, as Tom Brady declined an invitation from President Obama after Super Bowl XLIS.
(h/t Bleacher Report)
