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PHOTOS: Reasons Patriots players have given for skipping a White House visit

New England Patriots tight end and former Alief Taylor High School star Martellus Bennett was one of the first Patriots players to say he wouldn't visit the White House if the Patriots won the Super Bowl. Now, several of his teammates have joined him.

Browse through the photos to see the reason Patriots' players have given for skipping a White House visit.
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PHOTOS: Reasons Patriots players have given for skipping a White House visit

New England Patriots tight end and former Alief Taylor High School star Martellus Bennett was one of the first Patriots players to say ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
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Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett on skipping White House visit

"It is what it is. People know how I feel about it. Just follow me on Twitter."
Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett on skipping White House visit

"It is what it is. People know how I feel about it. Just follow me on Twitter."
Photo: Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle
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Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty on skipping White House trip:

"I'm not going to 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."
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Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty on skipping White House trip:

"I'm not going to the White House. Basic reason for me is I don't feel accepted in the White House. With the president having so many strong
... more
Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
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Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount on skipping White House trip:

“I just don’t feel welcome into that house. I’ll just leave it at that.”
Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount on skipping White House trip:

“I just don’t feel welcome into that house. I’ll just leave it at that.”
Photo: Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle
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Patriots defensive end Chris Long on skipping White House trip (in a tweet):

"Planned on skipping, hadn't been asked. Don't need an open letter explaining my own words to me. Not *joining* anyone. My call."
Patriots defensive end Chris Long on skipping White House trip (in a tweet):

"Planned on skipping, hadn't been asked. Don't need an open letter explaining my own words to me. Not *joining* anyone. My call."
Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
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Patriots defensive end Alan Branch on skipping White House trip:

“I’ve got four kids at home so I’m just going to hang out with the family and continue celebrating until the next season starts."
Patriots defensive end Alan Branch on skipping White House trip:

“I’ve got four kids at home so I’m just going to hang out with the family and continue celebrating until the next season starts."
Photo: Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle
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Patriots middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower on skipping White House trip after visiting twice following Alabama's national titles:

"Been there, done that."
Patriots middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower on skipping White House trip after visiting twice following Alabama's national titles:

"Been there, done that."
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Before the New England Patriots even played in Super Bowl LI, Houston native Martellus Bennett said he wouldn't go to the White House if the Patriots won the game.

Since then, several Patriots have joined him on skipping the customary trip to visit the president after a Super Bowl victory.

No date has been set for when the Patriots would meet with Donald Trump. Last year, the Super Bowl champion Broncos visited in June.

Martellus Bennett after winning Super Bowl 51 on Sunday. Fresh off their win at the Super Bowl, six members of the New England Patriots have backed out of the traditional post-game meeting with President Donald Trump — a sharp new sign of deepening American divisions. Tight end Martellus Bennett was the first player to back out of the meeting at the White House, which is typically held for members of the team that won the Super Bowl.

Media: Brandpoint

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Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty said he won't go, saying he doesn't feel accepted in the White House."

On Thursday, Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount also said he would skip the trip. Telling Rich Eisen, "I just don't feel welcome into that house. I'll just leave it at that."

Patriots defensive end Chris Long tweeted Thursday that he wouldn't be going to the White House either.

Defensive lineman Alan Branch also said he wouldn't attend, but he didn't make it political. Branch said he'd rather spend the time with his family.

Linebacker Dont'a Hightower said he had no interest in going to the White House, because he already made the trip after Alabama's two college titles in 2010 and 2012.

Browse through the photos above to see the reasons six Patriots players have given for skipping a trip to the White House after winning the Super Bowl.