While campaigning in New England on the eve of the election, Donald Trump piggybacked on the popularity of the Patriots, announcing that his candidacy had the support of both Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
The Patriots, always a divisive team at the best of times, succeeded in becoming even more unpopular among non-Boston liberals. But while the coach and the quarterback have their own loyalties, not all the players feel the same way.
Tight end Martellus Bennett and defensive back Devin McCourty have said baldly they will be attending the White House meet. The former told the Dallas Morning News he wouldn't be going to Washington.
I’m not going to go. It is what it is. People know how I feel about it. Just follow me on Twitter.
Had one perused his Twitter in the weeks beforehand, one would have noticed his opposition to the "hateful" travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries, an order which has now been thrown out by a federal judge.
Tonight, Bennett issued a flurry of tweets which appear to allude to his refusal in oblique terms.
His tweets broadened out into a passionate reminder that African Americans can and should transcend stereotypes.
I was a black man yesterday and I'm going to be a black man tomorrow. My wife and daughter are women today and will be women tomorrow.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017
You don't have to be good at sports young man. Go upstairs and finish practicing that trombone.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017
You don't have to rap. You can score films.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017
You don't have to dunk. You can crossover and own the basketball team.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017
McCourty was more explicit, alluding to Trump's "prejudices" and saying that he didn't feel "accepted" in the White House.
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 can’t imagine a way I go there.
Two years ago, Tom Brady skipped the traditional visit to the White House after the New England Patriots dramatic Super Bowl victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
The official line was that his absence was down to a family commitment. On the day of the visit itself though, Brady was observed stretching in Gillette Stadium.
Brady showed at the White House in 2002, 2004 and 2005 when George W Bush was President. He will surely be there when they meet with his old golf partner and the current incumbent.
The presumption on the part of the media was that it was Brady's soreness over a deflategate joke made by White House spokesman Josh Earnest explained away the reluctance to show up for Obama .
