Patriots quarterback Tom Brady did not attend Wednesday's Super Bowl LI celebration at the White House.
"I am so happy and excited that our team is being honored at the White House today," the quarterback said in a statement released Wednesday morning.
"Our team has accomplished something very special that we are all proud of and will be for years to come. Thank you to the President for hosting this honorary celebration and for supporting our team for as long as I can remember. In light of some recent developments, I am unable to attend today's ceremony, as I am attending to some personal family matters. Hopefully, if we accomplish the goal of winning a championship in the future years, we will back on the South Lawn again soon. Have a great day!"
Brady did not elaborate on his decision or provide specifics, though he did post the following message on his Instagram account Wednesday:
Brady also missed the team's previous two visits to the White House. The Patriots last met the President (then Barack Obama) following a win over the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. At the time, Brady said he had a scheduling conflict he could not break due to a late notification.
Brady attended New England's three Super Bowl receptions under President George W. Bush. Wednesday's ceremony was the first Super Bowl reception under President Donald Trump.
