On Monday, the Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins paid a visit to the White House--and an opportunity to meet with President Barack Obama. Everyone on the team--players, coaches, and team executives--took advantage of the opportunity to be honored by the leader of the free world. Everyone...except the man who backstopped the Bruins to their first championship in 39 years.Goaltender Tim Thomas was the most noticeable absence, and he made his reason as to why he didn't join his teammates radically clear: he's not happy about the direction of America, and stated his reason for not attending on his official Facebook page. His decision to pass on a visit to the White House has given him both praise and criticism, regardless of what side of the political spectrum his fans (and to an extent, sports fans and non-sports fans in general) sit on. Those that have praised his decision have thanked him for being a true Patriot, while those who think the opposite have said that he shouldn't be talking about politics at all.
If people have a problem with an important part of a championship-winning team not visiting the White House with his teammates, then they simply shouldn't say anything at all. Thomas made this decision as an individual, as he stated in that Facebook post. This decision shouldn't affect his play on the ice, but in all seriousness, people shouldn't be ragging on the guy over not meeting with the President.
As an individual myself, my respect for Thomas went through the roof for staying true to what he believed in. You may have won the Stanley Cup away from my beloved Vancouver Canucks, but bravo, Mr. Thomas. Bravo. Like everyone in America, you're entitled to your opinion(s) and entitled to stick with it/them.
Photo Credit: AP
