"As an organization we were honored by President Obama's invitation to the White House. It was a great day and a perfect way to cap our team's achievement from last season. It was a day that none of us will soon forget. We are disappointed that Tim chose not to join us, and his views certainly do not reflect those of the Jacobs family, the Bruins organization or it's fan base. This will be the last public comment from the Bruins organization on this subject."
The above is an edited(in bold) version of the Bruin's statement regarding Tim Thomas's absence from their White House visit. As a fan of the Bruin's I found this disappointing and somewhat embarrassing. Even despite the obvious snub he was praise by the President quite prominently. But where was Timmy? Probably brooding in his hotel room with the latest Glenn Beck book.
Tim states that he made his choice as an INDIVIDUAL(He capitalized it in his statement, so he must have been shouting when he typed it). What he forgot that the day was about his accomplishment with his team. It was a celebration of a group of individuals coming together for a common goal. Putting aside differences to achieve the ultimate championship of their sport. Now instead of a picture of the ultimate team-player we see someone more concerned about personal political views than being with his friends and teammates.
Yes he has the right to decline but he also had the right to attend despite his differences. I think it would have shown more guts to man up and go despite his feelings rather than hiding behind a statement in his hotel room. It's equivalent of breaking up with a significant other by text message or email.
I could personally not give a dam about Tim's personal political leaning's as that is every American's right. I have friends and relatives lying on either side of the political spectrum but I don't make it an issue or stumbling block. I'm sure most if not all his teammates will stand by him and not be critical. At least they held up their end of the term "team", less one INDIVIDUAL. They celebrated as a group and your off by yourself somewhere, how ironic is that.
He has the the right to do what he did just like I do expressing my disappointment in his actions. I may not always agree with or like whoever is occupying the White House but I still respect them and would be honored to meet with whoever sits in the oval office.
In winning the Stanley Cup you showed supreme effort, skill and teamwork. Too bad yesterday you showed none of it.
"We salute the rank, not the man" - Major Winters in Band of Brothers
