By John Sarianides

Much has been this week about several Patriots players announcing that they will not attend the White House ceremony honoring the team later this year. 

Earlier this week, Devin McCourty, Dont’a Hightower, LeGarrette Blount, Alan Branch and Chris Long all announced that would be skipping the ceremony. While I don’t agree with what they are doing, they have every right to do it.

Tom Brady skipped the ceremony in 2015 claiming he couldn’t attend for personnel reasons. Many believe that Brady skipped the ceremony because he didn’t agree with some of President Obama’s policies and his friendship with Donald Trump. Maybe that was the case but I don’t believe that. I am going to go out on a limb and say that Brady had a legit reason for skipping.

Athletes now more than ever are looked upon to take a stand politically and do what is perceived to be right. There is a lot of pressure on them socially. I want my favorite athletes to take a stand on social issues and be a voice against social injustices around the world.

That is why I don’t think it is fair to chastise these players for not going to the White House. They don’t agree with President Trump or what his administration stands for. They have every right to protest by not showing up. While skipping on the White House ceremony honoring them might not be the ideal place to voice opposition, it is a platform that they can take a stand on and that’s what they have chosen to do. 

Like I said earlier, I don’t agree with what they are doing but as a fan of the team, I support them. I really don’t care if they go to the White House or not. They have every right to skip out on the ceremony. Besides, who am I to tell them they can’t?  It is not my place.