https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1mdRXj-g1xs<\/p>\n
It is customary for the White House to invite and to celebrate a team’s victory at the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n
The invitations were sent, but don’t expect everyone from Super Bowl LI to show up.<\/p>\n
According to reports, five New England Patriots players will not be showing up to meet President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just don\u2019t feel welcome into that house,\u201d running back LeGarrette Blount offered.<\/p>\n
Blount spoke on the Rich Eisen Show and explained that he was wasn\u2019t comfortable with visiting President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n
Teammate and defensive lineman Chris Long also joined the conscientious objector’s list.<\/p>\n
“Planned on skipping, hadn’t been asked. Don’t need an open letter explaining my own words to me. Not *joining* anyone. My call,” Long Tweeted.<\/p>\n
Tight end Martellus Bennett, linebacker Dont\u2019a Hightower and defensive back Devin McCourty will not be making the trip.<\/p>\n
During a postgame interview, Blount already made the decision to not attend the meeting with Trump after defeating the Atlanta Falcons.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not going to go,” he said.<\/p>\n
When Bennet was asked about his reasons. He responded that \u201cPeople know how I feel about it\u201d and to follow him on Twitter for his thoughts. “America was built on inclusiveness not exclusiveness,” he Tweeted in January. “I don’t support the guy that’s in the house.”<\/p>\n
Of course, he was talking about Trump.<\/p>\n
Players are asked to guard what they say in public. Bennett said he has to take his guard down to elicit change. “So many people are looking for encouragement, for examples, for a chance to promote change. But for a lot of guys, it comes down to the dollar \u2014 what this brand or what this company may say, or how I\u2019m going to look if I speak out. I think the biggest thing is stepping out on that plank because they feel like they feel like they will get crucified if they do speak up on different topics.\u201d<\/p>\n Patriots owner Robert Kraft is a friend of Trump and has not commented on his players’ decision.<\/p>\n Rather, he said he wants to enjoy this time and how lucky they are to win another Super Bowl title.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so privileged to be here in this hall and in the Super Bowl city. There\u2019s times and places to talk politics,” he said.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI feel like a lot of players throughout every situation, I mean, they have chances to really impact the community with things that they say, ” he told the Detriot Free Press<\/em>.<\/p>\n