New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski crashed Sean Spicer's White House press briefing on Wednesday, on the day that the Super Bowl champs were visiting the White House.
The fans expressed great gratitude for the players who are skipping the White House visit, and tried to distance the Patriots from ties to Trump and the alt-right.
A team spokesman said the Patriots were aware of the reports of Hernandez's death but the club wasn't expected to comment.
Trump has saluted Patriots owner Bob Kraft, a longtime friend, and says the longtime coach, Bill Belichick, has "built a culture dedicated to winning".
'I am so happy and excited that our team is being honored at the White House today, ' said Brady in a statement.
Brady said he can not attend today's ceremony due to a family matter he needs to attend to, according to a statement obtained by ESPN.
Trudeau Unveils Bill Legalizing Recreational Marijuana in Canada
The bill also introduces a number of new penalties and toughens already existing laws regarding alcohol and drug-impaired driving. Taking any cannabis or its derivative products across global borders can result in a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
Safety Devin McCourty and running back LeGarrette Blount told USA Today that they do not feel welcome at the White House.
According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Brady is skipping the visit to remain in Boston to spend time with his mother Galynn, who is recovering from cancer treatments. Messages left with Brady's agent and the White House were not immediately returned.
Hightower said he had "been there, done that", after he visited the White House as a member of Alabama's national championship team in 2012.
The Patriots showed their own remarkable toughness and perseverance in the Super Bowl, overcoming a 25-point deficit to win in overtime, 34-28.
Before White capped off the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history, he rushed for just 166 yards on 39 carries. He's tried to distance himself from Donald Trump after a Make America Great Hat in his locker sparked a flurry of questions. "I don't believe in excluding other people".
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