A fifth New England Patriots player says he won’t visit President Trump’s White House following the team’s historic Super Bowl win on Sunday.
Running back LeGarrette Blount on Thursday said he wouldn’t visit the White House, telling reporters: “I just don’t feel welcome into that house. I’m just gonna leave it at that.”
LeGarrete joins defensive end Chris Long, who tweeted Thursday that he “planned on skipping” the event, sharing an article from the New York Daily News, which had asked him to join other teammates by not attending.
{mosads}Three other Patriots players — linebacker Dont’a Hightower, defensive back Devin McCourty and tight end Martellus Bennett — announced their plans to skip the traditional event at the White House celebrating the championship team.
“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.”
Trump has personal relationships with team owner Robert Kraft, quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, and tweeted congratulations to the team following its stunning 34-28 comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.