Patriots owner Robert Kraft speaks on players skipping White House Trip

Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed the topic Monday on “The Today Show” by downplaying it.

“Well, you know what’s interesting, this is our, I’m happy to say, fifth Super Bowl in the last 16 years,” he said. “And every time we’ve had the privilege of going to the White House, a dozen of our players don’t go. This is the first time it’s gotten any media attention.

“You know, some of the players have the privilege of going in college because they’re on national championship teams, others have family commitments. But this is America. We’re all free to do whatever’s best for us. We’re just privileged to be in a position to be going.”

Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett commented on the subject last week, saying, “I’m not going to go.”

“It is what it is. People know how I feel about it. Just follow me on Twitter,” he said.

>> Patriots' Martellus Bennett: Skipping White House visit after Super Bowl win

Defensive back Devin McCourty also announced his decision not to go to D.C.

“I’m not going to the White House. Basic reason for me is I don’t feel accepted in the White House. With the president having so many strong opinions and prejudices, I believe certain people might feel accepted there while others won’t,” he said.

Alan Branch, Dont'a Hightower, Chris Long and LeGarrette Blount won't be going either.

“I won’t be going to the White House,” Blount said. “I just don’t feel welcome in that house. I’ll just leave it at that.”

>> Tom Brady isn't the first 5-time Super Bowl champion