The New England Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 on Sunday, winning their sixth Super Bowl since 2001 and tying the Pittsburgh Steelers' NFL record. Veteran safety Duron Harmon earned his third Super Bowl ring, playing a key role in a defense-first affair after stalwart Patriots safety Patrick Chung left the game early with a broken arm.
While basking in the post-game glory of perhaps the most consequential performance of his career, though, Harmon couldn't help but make headlines by telling TMZ he won't be attending the customary celebration at the White House.
“Nah, man,” the 28 year old said when asked by TMZ if he would be going to Washington this time around. “They don't want me in the White House, man.”
The Patriots were the first Super Bowl winners who had the opportunity to visit Donald Trump's White House, after beating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 two years ago. Multiple players decided against consorting with the President, including Harmon, Devin McCourty, LeGarrette Blount, Martellus Bennett, Dont'a Hightower, and newly-minted NFL Man of the Year Chris Long.
Tom Brady didn't make the trip in 2017, either, but issued a statement indicating his absence was due to “personal family matters” rather than any political differences he shares with the administration.
New England has come under fire in recent years for the friendly relationship organization higher-ups, including Brady, coach Bill Belichick, and owner Robert Kraft, have with the President. Trump created a nationwide controversy in 2017, calling Colin Kaepernick and other players protesting police brutality against black people “sons of bitches.”