Tony Gonzalez: Patriots skipping trip to White House are being 'silly'

Former NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez says members of the New England Patriots who have declared they will skip their White House visit because of Donald Trump are making a mistake.

Six members of the Super Bowl champions, including Martellus Bennett and LeGarrette Blount, have already declared they won't make the trip - with most stating their decision has to do with politics.

Gonzalez told TMZ the players are being "silly," but not because he sides with Trump.

"If they don't want to go, that's their right," Gonzalez said. "For me, I think that's silly. If you've got a problem, go there and meet him. Say something. That's your opportunity to get your voice out there, to get heard."

Gonzalez didn't exactly sound optimistic about the Patriots effecting positive change by trying to get Trump's ear at the White House.

"Maybe he'll listen. Probably not, but maybe he'll listen."