The Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots visited the White House today to accept congratulations from President Donald Trump for another NFL title.
Before the official ceremony, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski lightened the mood during a White House press briefing when he made an impromptu appearance before the official ceremony.
Gronk stuck his head in the door of the briefing room as Press Secretary Sean Spicer was holding a televised press briefing and jokingly asked Spicer whether he needed any help, drawing laughs. Spicer -- an avid Patriots fan -- responded "I think I got this. But thank you."
One player who will be missing from the ceremony is star quarterback Tom Brady.
The White House said it was notified that Brady was dealing with a "personal family matter" and will not attend the ceremony. Shortly before the event, Brady posted a photo of his parents on Instagram, wishing them a happy anniversary.
Trump has particularly close ties to the Patriots, counting owner Bob Kraft and coach Bill Belichick as friends. One of Trump's signature "Make America Great Again" hats was spotted in Tom Brady's locker in 2015.
Bob Kraft was one of at least seven NFL team owners who gave $1 million each to Trump's inaugural committee, a new fundraising report shows. Others include the owners of the Houston Texans, the Washington Redskins, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the LA Rams. Kraft gave the money via his Kraft Group LLC.
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Besides Brady, six members of the team were not expected at Wednesday's event.
After the triumphant victory, tight end Martellus Bennett quickly made it clear he was not coming to the White House and other teammates followed. Many noted their differences with the Republican administration.
Defensive back Devin McCourty told Time Magazine that "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."
Players have turned down White House invites ever since such events began to take off under President Ronald Reagan. That includes Brady in 2015. He cited a "family commitment" at the time, but there was speculation he declined because of some unflattering comments a spokesman for President Barack Obama made about the "Deflategate" scandal.
The team's White House visit caps a dramatic Super Bowl victory. In the first such game to go to overtime, the Patriots pulled off a stunning rally from 25 points down to beat the Atlanta Falcons.
Trump's welcome to the team comes hours after the news from Massachusetts prisons officials that ex-Patriot tight end Aaron Hernandez, a Bristol, Connecticut native, hanged himself in his prison cell.
Hernandez, who played for the Patriots from 2010 to 2012, was serving a life sentence for a murder conviction. Days ago, the 27-year-old former tight end was acquitted of a double murder.
His attorney Jose Baez said in a statement that Hernandez's family and legal team was "shocked and surprised by the news and conducting its own "examination into this tragic event."
"There were no conversations or correspondence from Aaron to his family or legal team that would have indicated anything like this was possible," Baez said. "Aaron was looking forward to an opportunity for a second chance to prove his innocence. Those who love and care about him are heartbroken and determined to find the truth surrounding his untimely death. We request that authorities conduct a transparent and thorough investigation."
Hernandez's attorney, Jose Baez, said in a statement that Hernandez's family and legal team was "shocked and surprised by the news and conducting its own "examination into this tragic event."
"There were no conversations or correspondence from Aaron to his family or legal team that would have indicated anything like this was possible," Baez said in a statement. "Aaron was looking forward to an opportunity for a second chance to prove his innocence. Those who love and care about him are heartbroken and determined to find the truth surrounding his untimely death. We request that authorities conduct a transparent and thorough investigation."
A team spokesman said the Patriots were aware of the reports of Hernandez's death but that the club wasn't expected to comment.
