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Bruins player Tim Thomas declines invitation to the White House

By Jenna LaConte, Gavel Media Staff, on January 26, 2012 7:30 PM

On Monday, January 23^rd, the Boston Bruins made their way over to the White House to be honored by President Obama for their victory in the 2011 Stanley Cup championship.  The team, however, was missing a crucial member: goaltender Tim Thomas, a fan favorite who was a vital asset in the Bruins’ attainment of the title.

Thomas, who is one of only two American Bruins players, primarily declined the President’s invitation without offering any particular explanation.  He broke his silence later that evening by posting the following statement on his Facebook page:

“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”

The reactions to Thomas’s declaration have fallen on opposite ends of the spectrum.  While some commend him for taking a stand for his beliefs, others feel that his actions reflect poorly on his character.  Thomas’s Facebook page, where he originally issued his statement, is littered with outcries of support from fans that respect his decision to hold true to his principles.  Many thank him for exercising freedom of speech, and some even claim that Thomas’s convictions have converted them into Bruins fans.

Others, however, do not view Thomas’s actions as heroic.  Governor Deval Patrick is among those who are critical of Thomas for opting out of an innocent American tradition.

“He’s a phenomenal hockey player and he’s entitled to his views, but it just feels to me like we’re losing in this country basic courtesy and grace,” said Patrick.

Although it is a relief to see an athlete who has a mind of his own and wants to be politically active, this may not have been the appropriate occasion to bring forth his qualms with the current state of our nation.  When the President honors a national championship team, by no means are all of the players in attendance expected to personally support the current President.  The gesture of President Obama hosting any group of people in the White House serves as a respectable tradition that transcends political differences.

In spite of Thomas’s absence, the rest of his teammates attended the ceremony and presented President Obama with an honorary Bruins jersey.  Obama even referenced Thomas specifically, paying tribute to that fact that he is only the second American hockey player to ever receive the Stanley Cup playoff’s MVP title.