Patriots Team Captain Declines White House Invite

Patriots safety and team captain Devin McCourty won't be attending the White House visit by the Super Bowl champions, saying he doesn't "feel accepted in the White House."

McCourty, who told Time in a text Monday he won't be joining his teammates, is the second Patriots to say he will be declining the invite. Tight end Martellus Bennett told reporters Sunday he won't be going.

"Basic reason for me is I don't feel accepted in the White House," McCourty wrote. "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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The move is far from unprecedented, but takes on added importance because of the team's relationship with President Trump. Quarterback Tom Brady, coach Bill Belichick, and owner Robert Kraft are, by all accounts, pretty friendly with Trump.

The Patriots are known for their say-nothing attitude and toeing the company as much as their continued success. Having two of their biggest names and best players bowing out of such a high-profile visit is shifting the focus from the team's visit to Trump to who won't be there instead.

Photo by Tom Lohdan via Flickr