Tim Thomas decided not to attend a White House ceremony honoring the Boston Bruins as 2011 Stanley Cup champs. He released a statement (see below) explaining his absence from the meeting with President Obama.
USA Today:
Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins visit White House --
WASHINGTON – First the New England Patriots in 2005, then the Boston Red Sox in 2007 and the Boston Celtics in 2008.
Then the 2011 Bruins brought a championship to the city of Boston.
"Enough already, Boston," President Obama said with a laugh.
Obama welcomed the Stanley Cup champion Bruins at the White House on Monday. However, goaltender Tim Thomas, who became the second U.S.-born player to be named playoff MVP, didn't attend the ceremony.
Thomas, a staunch conservative, refused the invite due to "political reasons," according to Sports Illustrated...
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Tim Thomas / NHL.com:Thomas statement on White House absence --
Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas released the following statement Monday evening regarding his absence from the Bruins' visit to the White House this afternoon:
"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.
This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.
Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.
This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT"
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discussion:Huffington Post:
Tim Thomas Skips Obama, White House Ceremony Honoring Bruins
Washington Post:
Bruins visit White House minus MVP Tim Thomas
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ICINGS:
Huffington Post:
John Kerry Appears At The White House Sporting A Broken Nose, 2 Black Eyes --
Sen. John Kerry made quite an impression on Monday when he appeared at a White House event honoring the Stanley Cup champs, the Boston Bruins, sporting a broken nose and two black eyes.
The 68-year-old senior Democrat from Massachusetts suffered the injuries during a pickup hockey game over the holidays. According to the Political Intelligence blog, Kerry was hit in the face with a hockey stick...
Letter to Tim Thomas,Tim,I always had admired what a super goalie you are. I grew up playing hockey. My dad coached Nashville GM David Poile when he was 16 years old..
Tim, Your actions are a disgrace to American hockey and to the NHL.
Snubbing our President is political, low-class and like your supporters is cowardly. You were asked to be honored by the country and you chose to embarass our President by not showing up as 1 of 2 Americans on the Bruins. Shame on you.Even sworn enemies have the class to respect statesman. I pity your teamates and the Boston Fans. Their Stanley Cup goalie is a loser!