https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mdRXj-g1xs

It is customary for the White House to invite and to celebrate a team’s victory at the Super Bowl.

The invitations were sent, but don’t expect everyone from Super Bowl LI to show up.

According to reports, five New England Patriots players will not be showing up to meet President Donald Trump.

“I just don’t feel welcome into that house,” running back LeGarrette Blount offered.

Blount spoke on the Rich Eisen Show and explained that he was wasn’t comfortable with visiting President Donald Trump.

Teammate and defensive lineman Chris Long also joined the conscientious objector’s list.

“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.

Tight end Martellus Bennett, linebacker Dont’a Hightower and defensive back Devin McCourty will not be making the trip.

During a postgame interview, Blount already made the decision to not attend the meeting with Trump after defeating the Atlanta Falcons.

“I’m not going to go,” he said.

When Bennet was asked about his reasons. He responded that “People know how I feel about it” 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.”

Of course, he was talking about Trump.

Players are asked to guard what they say in public. Bennett said he has to take his guard down to elicit change.
“I 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.

“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 — what this brand or what this company may say, or how I’m 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.”

Patriots owner Robert Kraft is a friend of Trump and has not commented on his players’ decision.

Rather, he said he wants to enjoy this time and how lucky they are to win another Super Bowl title.

“I’m so privileged to be here in this hall and in the Super Bowl city. There’s times and places to talk politics,” he said.

Other players like running back James White was reportedly undecided if he was going to attend the event at the White House.

“I’ll wait ’til the time comes and decide then,” he told SiriusXM NFL Radio.