A second member of the Super Bowl LI champion New England Patriots is declining any future invites to attend a White House commemoration of their surprise comeback win on Sunday.
Patriot defensive back Devin McCourty told TIME magazine through a text message that he won’t be a part of any such ceremony because of ideological issues he has with President Trump.
“Basic reason for me is I don’t feel accepted in the White House,” he said. “With the president having so many strong opinions and prejudices I believe certain people might feel accepted there while others won’t.”
A commemoration of the Patriots’ 34-28 victory over the Atlanta Falcons after being down 25 points, which Trump tweeted about, is slated for later this year.
McCourty joins Martellus Bennett, who said on Monday that he would not be going to any victory celebrations at the White House. Both men have been vocal and active in player demonstrations regarding racial injustice in the country. The two supported San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s gesture of kneeling during the national anthem before games. Both raised their fists following the anthem prior to a September game, according to TIME.
Image: Associated Press
