Brady among Patriots players to skip White House visit

Quarterback Tom Brady will be among several New England Patriots players who've said they won't attend Wednesday's ceremony at the White House honoring the team's Super Bowl LI win -- but unlike some of his compatriots, Brady claimed his decision not to go has nothing to do with President Trump.

Brady only announced Wednesday morning that he would not be attending.

“Thank you to the President for hosting this honorary celebration and for supporting our team for as long as I can remember,” he said in a statement. “In light of some recent development, I am unable to attend today’s ceremony, as I am attending to some personal family matters.”

The White House told Fox News it was aware ahead of time that Brady wouldn't be at the ceremony.

While Brady didn't specifically say what the family issue was, it's known that his mom has cancer.

He went on to say:  "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!"