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Devin McCourty, Martellus Bennett among Patriots boycotting April 19 White House, Donald Trump visit – Metro US
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Devin McCourty, Martellus Bennett among Patriots boycotting April 19 White House, Donald Trump visit

Devin McCourty, Martellus Bennett among Patriots boycotting April 19 White
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It seems like the Patriots can’t help but be entangled in politics.

It’s no secret that owner Robert Kraft, coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady each have a personal relationship with President Donald Trump.

The Super Bowl winners back in February, New England has received it’s customary invitation to visit the White House, a meeting set to take place on April 19.

With the political climate in the state that it’s currently in, it comes as no surprise that a handful of Patriots players are refusing to attend the ceremony — the fifth for the Pats since 2001.

Captain Devin McCourtytold Time magazine he would not be participating, saying right after an epic comeback over the Falcons in Super Bowl LI: “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.”

His teammates MartellusBennett and Chris Long agreed, whileAlan Branch andDont’a Hightower also said they will not attend, though did not cite political forces as the motivation. It is expected that several more Patriots will drop out before the meeting occurs.