The New England Patriots appear likely to become the second straight Super Bowl-winning team to not visit the White House.
Last year, President Donald Trump canceled the South Lawn celebration for the Philadelphia Eagles, after it became clear that most of the team would not be in attendance; several key players said they objected to the divisive president’s politics.
The Super Bowl LIII champions say the reason they haven’t made it to the White House this offseason is due to scheduling conflicts, rather than those of the political variety.
The Patriots triumvirate — owner Robert Kraft, coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady — has maintained friendly social relationships with Trump, who has rooted for the team for years.