Third New England Patriot won’t visit Trump White House

A third New England Patriots player says he won’t visit President Trump’s White House following the team’s historic Super Bowl win on Sunday.

Linebacker Dont’a Hightower told ESPN on Wednesday that he’s “been there, done that” with trips to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Hightower visited the White House previously with his championship-winning team at the University of Alabama.

“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

It is unclear if Hightower has any political reasoning behind not going.

{mosads}Two other Patriots players — defensive back Devin McCourty and tight end Martellus Bennett — announced their plans not to attend the traditional presidential celebration that follows a national championship.

Both players’ reasonings were politically motivated.

“I’m not going to the White House,” McCourty told Time magazine. “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.”

Bennett has expressed his discontent with Trump on Twitter in the past, and said he does not support the president.

“I don’t support the guy that’s in the house,” Bennett said.

Last month, he tweeted, “America was built on inclusiveness not exclusiveness.”

The absence of the players is noticeable as Trump himself has personal relationships with team owner Robert Kraft, quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick. After the Patriots’ stunning comeback 34-28 victory against the Atlanta Falcons, Trump tweeted his congratulations for the team — calling out Brady and Belichick in particular.

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