President Trump won't get to hang out with his "good friend" Tom Brady on Wednesday after all. Shortly before the New England Patriots' scheduled visit to the White House on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate their Super Bowl LI victory in February over the Atlanta Falcons, Brady announced that he would not be able to attend. "In light of some recent developments, I am unable to attend today's ceremony, as I am attending to some personal family matters," the Patriots quarterback said in a statement. ESPN reporter Mike Reiss noted Brady's mother has been battling an "ongoing illness."
The team's quarterback won't be the only Patriots player missing from the lineup Wednesday. At least six other players — including former tight end Martellus Bennett and safety Devin McCourty — have announced they will not attend for political reasons.
The remaining players will meet with Trump in the Oval Office around 1 p.m. ET, before a ceremony on the South Lawn. The Patriots are the first champions to visit the White House since Trump took office.
Article continues belowThe Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.