Why These Two Patriots Won't Visit the White House

New England Patriots Devin McCourty and Chris Long elaborated on their decision not to join the team for their visit to the White House on Wednesday by making a video with their team’s fans who also oppose the president.

McCourty and Long are among the five New England Patriots players that will not attend the team’s ceremonial visit to the White House on Wednesday in recognition of their Super Bowl LI championship.

Shortly after the Patriots historic comeback victory against the Atlanta Falcons, McCourty and Long made it known they planned to decline the invitation to Washington, citing Trump as the reason. In a video made with New England fans, arguing against the team’s ties to Trump, the cornerback and defensive end further explained their decision.

“Right away I knew I wasn’t going because it was something I thought about before we even won the game,” McCourty explained. “For me it was simple. I don’t believe in excluding other people,” he said. “Let people be who they are.”