Early in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, when most Americans believed the Screamin’ Tangerine had about as much chance of being elected as Lincoln Chaffee, Tom Brady came out as one of Trump’s earliest celebrity supporters.
Long before Scott Baio used his tremendous influence to help Trump win the White House, Brady displayed a “Make America Great Again” hat in full view of the Patriots’ locker room reporters.
Brady later dialed back his support for Trump, saying that though he’s friends with the Donald, he doesn’t follow the politics or endorse candidates.
Now, it seems Brady is doubling down on his “Oh, this guy? I thought he came with you!” stance by bowing out of a team visit to the White House scheduled for later today.
It’s a tradition for teams that teams to meet with the president and pose for some photos after winning a championship.
(Fittingly, the Cubs were the last team to visit Chicago sports fanatic Barack Obama in the White House.)
But after the Patriots’ come-from-behind Super Bowl victory in February, several members of the team announced that they would not be meeting with Trump, due to objections to some of his more controversial policies.
Today, became the latest to join that list, but in statement issued this morning, he says he’s not skipping the visit for political reasons.
Brady’s statement reads:
“I am so happy and excited that our team is being honored at the White House today. 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!“
It’s an unexpected move, as Brady clearly has no issue with rigged outcomes or undeserved victories.
We can hear the Donald now:
“Tommy, I fix the Super Bowl for you, and this is how you repay me? You blamed it on family matters, but I know Steve Urkel when I see him, and you are no Urkel, my friend. Sad!”
Here’s hoping the Bundchen-Brady estate is equipped with a MOAB-reistant bunker.
