“I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People. Now, that individual also happens to be Tim Thomas, but that is not who the invitation was for. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Thomas and Steven Kampfer are the only Americans from last year’s roster. As far as I’m concerned, he would’ve invited Arizona if they had won,” said Harrison, in an explanation that apparently makes perfect sense to him. Tim Thomas broke a years-long public silence Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, after being named as part of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame’s class of 2019. Thomas used this opportunity to make a highly divisive political statement by not attending. The goaltender deplored the state of the federal government and said that he would exercise his right as a free citizen to not visit the White House. Tim Thomas separated himself from his Bruins’ teammates yesterday afternoon when he refused to join them at the White House, a day meant to celebrate their 2011 Stanley Cup championship. “Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. But the White House visit wasn’t all about Thomas and his decision to skip out. But one of the most important pieces to their championship team, Stanley Cup MVP Tim Thomas, was not in attendance. You can look at Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas’ decision to snub a White House visit one of two ways: a profound American statement of freedom of speech, or a show of selfishness for making a team event about himself. Just like some British nobleman who decided that it would be inconvenient if the laws of the land had to apply to them and just what those Founding Fathers were trying to eliminate when they laid down the constitution of the United States of America. Tim Thomas's recent, very public White House snub is not just tiresome or sanctimonious or overwrought (though it is). Unless I am sadly mistaken, there was no clause in there which stated that Thomas would not have to represent the Boston Bruins if it involved a trip to the White House. Boston Bruins goalie and Davison native Tim Thomas has seen his decision to skip the team's White House visit take on a political life of its own. Whatever his position is, it isn’t reflective of the Boston Bruins nor my own. The Bruins won their first Stanley Cup title in 39 years last June after a seven-game final series against the Vancouver Canucks. Tim Thomas decided to enforce his personal rights to not attend his team’s visit Monday to meet Barack Obama at the White House. Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. And Tim Thomas abused those rights. ... the White House is, well, the White House. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. He was not coerced or forced into doing this; he did so of his own free will. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli confirmed that Thomas had told him months ago he would not attend the White House event due to his political and ideological differences with … Tim Thomas, the Boston Bruins goalie, was. Professional sports crossed over into the world of politics yesterday when Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas refused to join his teammates at the White House … Obama even made fun of Brad Marchand, calling him a “little ball of hate”: Sign up to receive the daily top stories from the National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. Thomas should have … There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Boston Bruins Stanely Cup winning goalie Tim Thomas decided that he would not attend the White House championship celebration because of his political beliefs. He didn’t meet with former president George W. Bush in 2006 either. Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. U.S. President Barack Obama hosted the Boston Bruins at the White House on Monday afternoon to celebrate their 2011 Stanley Cup victory, but veteran goaltender Tim Thomas was nowhere to … Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas, who has become something of a political lightning rod lately, weighed in Friday on his beliefs that the federal government is "out of control." If being a representative of a company named the Boston Bruins and getting paid millions of dollars to represent that company’s beliefs is acceptable. Then you visit the White House and smile in public. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. “I’m not suspending Tim. This was an invitation to the Boston Bruins, and it was their invitation to accept or decline. © 2021 National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Is There a Difference Between Tim Thomas Boycotting the White House in 2012 and Braden Holtby Doing the Same in 2019? Bruins G Tim Thomas, who skipped White House visit, mum on politics as team prepares for Caps. “I saw some comments that we rejected the invitation,” Biffle told reporters at the time. By Ben Krall. That sentiment was missing in Thomas's decision not to go to the White House. But it’s his decision and his choice.”. Tim Thomas and the Boston Bruins won the NHL's Stanley Cup last June. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Tom Lehman - Bill Clinton. Fans taunt Bruins goalie Tim Thomas for White House snub Fans held up images of President Obama to taunt Bruins goalie Tim Thomas at the NHL playoff game in … You see, to be a free citizen means that not only does Tim Thomas have the right to make millions of dollars per year. If you don't see it please check your junk folder. You see, Tim Thomas wanted to make millions of dollars in salary and in sponsorship. (Graig Abel/NHLI via Getty Images) By Stu Hackel By now Thomas turned down the White House invitation after the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2012. U.S. President Barack Obama hosted the Boston Bruins at the White House on Monday afternoon to celebrate their 2011 Stanley Cup victory, but veteran goaltender Tim Thomas was nowhere to be found. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL. The White House and Tim Thomas. Joe McDonald of ESPN also attacked Thomas: “Tim Thomas put himself above the team,” McDonald cried. But, that is irrelevant really. Goalie Tim Thomas declined the … Now, what Thomas did, was he decided to become an employee and representative of a team (the Boston Bruins). “This is how I feel — if you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don’t win the Super Bowl. The Boston Bruins paid a visit to the White House on Monday to celebrate the team’s memorable run to the 2011 Stanley Cup title. 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. Why It's Okay for Champions to Skip 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. Last Monday, Boston Bruin’s goalie Tim Thomas caused quite a ruckus. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. The Patriots play in next month’s Super Bowl. Now, if Thomas was a real man, he would have gone to the Boston Bruins management and ownership, returned the money from his contract and quit the balance of it by retiring–so he could exercise his rights as a free citizen. But I’m not suspending him.”. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government. February 2, 2012 by Spectator News Leave a Comment. While attendance wasn’t mandatory, the rest of the team took part in the ceremony. Associated Press file photo Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas was the MVP of the Stanley Cup finals last season, but declined to celebrate by visiting the White House on Monday. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. After winning the Stanley Cup last season, the Bruins were invited to the White House, as … Because, until Tim Thomas gives back that money and retires out of his contract, he is the millionaire Boston Bruins goalie whose responsibility was a public appearance was at the White House and not Tim Thomas, the unpaid rights activist. To clarify, the goaltender for the Boston Bruins Stanley Cup-winning team of 2011 was invited. By Charles P. Pierce. Last September, NASCAR drivers Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards opted out of the White House visit, in what once initially viewed as a political move. Opposed to what he called the “out of control” growth of the federal government, Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas declined an invitation to join his teammates at the White House on Monday. Thomas stated: “I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People. Bruins president Cam Neely told reporters that he would have liked it if Thomas attended, but he respects his wishes. There are soldiers who fought and died so that Thomas would have the right, as a free citizen, to freely choose to sign a contract worth millions and millions of dollars with the Boston Bruins. But the four later clarified that they could not make it due to scheduling conflicts. But, he did not like having to live up to one of the demands that was included into that agreement. The mercurial Thomas, who led the Boston Bruins to the Stanley Cup in 2011 and made headlines for refusing to visit then-President Barack Obama at the White House… By Michael Klopman. It was the latest in a string of Boston professional sports championships in recent years, including the Celtics in 2008, the Red Sox in 2007 and the New England Patriots in 2005. You see, I am all for exercising your rights. Please try again. Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas released the following statement Monday evening regarding his absence from the Bruins' visit to the White House this … Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins . After winning the Stanley Cup last season, the Bruins were invited to the White House, as are all championship teams in this country. President Barack Obama honored the Boston Bruins at the White House on Monday for winning the 2011 Stanley Cup. The next issue of Posted Newsletter will soon be in your inbox. Read more about cookies here. WASHINGTON — Tim Thomas, one of two Americans on the roster, chose not to attend today’s ceremony at the White House, according to GM Peter Chiarelli. Not only was he not invited this time, I kind of doubt he will ever be invited. He chose not to join us,” he said. There are a lot of people who believe that if there was a Republican in the White House, perhaps Tim Thomas would not have felt so inclined to make such a strong statement. (Alex Wong / Getty Images) In a statement on Facebook, Thomas … Tim Thomas' decision to skip the Bruins' White House ceremony has already created a distraction on what should have been a great day for the franchise. It’s obviously not a choice most of the guys … well all of the guys came except for Tim. Joe Corvo, who is also American and only joined the Bruins this season, decided not to take part. This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. “Everybody has their own opinions and political beliefs. Because, to reiterate, Tim Thomas, the INDIVIDUAL, was never invited. The Stanley Cup was there, though. Not because of his parents, family, race, gender, age, sexual orientation or any other demographic he could be divided into. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.”. Author: The Canadian Press Publish date: Apr 9, 2012. Now, Thomas had a nice little planned out quotation to release: I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People. It means he has the right to refuse millions of dollars a year. The Hockey News. We encountered an issue signing you up. By now everyone knows Boston Bruins' goaltender Tim Thomas elected not to go to the White House Monday with his teammates, who were at … Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said Thomas would not be suspended for not attending the team function. You see, those founding fathers that Thomas refers to wanted him to have the chance to make millions of dollars for who he is and for what he does. Oddly enough, what most people seem to have overlooked, Tim Thomas was never invited in the first place. Then, he decided that because it was inconvenient for him, he abused his contract. Tim Thomas’ 2011 season is arguably the best single-season by a goalie in hockey history: he won the Vezina Trophy for season’s best goalie, the Conn Smythe for playoffs MVP, and back-stopped the Boston Bruins to a Stanley Cup victory. Last Monday, Boston Bruin’s goalie Tim Thomas caused quite a ruckus. OK, so last time Bruins goalie Tim Thomas spoke up on Facebook he received plenty of scorn. Tom Lehman, a professional golfer, turned down the opportunity to … I am all against abusing them. Rejecting means no, I don’t want to go, I’m not going to go, you can’t make me go.”. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. “It’s his choice. Yup, you heard me. Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas shocked the sports world last week when he opted not to meet President Barack Obama at a big White House team function. U.S. President Barack Obama hosted the Boston Bruins at the White House on Monday afternoon to celebrate their 2011 Stanley Cup victory, but veteran goaltender Tim Thomas declined to attend for political reasons. This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas gets ready for an NHL hockey game in February of 2012. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Tim Thomas skipped a trip to the White House. Included in that contract would be his obligations to represent the Boston Bruins in public. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. “To me, that’s not what we did. If it is more important to assert your INDIVIDUAL rights, well then, exercise your rights to refuse that money and become an individual. If they don’t, I can suspend him,” Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli told the Boston Globe, adding that he’s discussed the visit with Thomas for the past few months. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government,” Thomas wrote on Facebook. Just like his Founding Fathers would have wanted. Business leaders discuss why they’re bullish on Alberta’s future, Bruins' Tim Thomas explains White House snub, tap here to see other videos from our team. “I can require someone to attend a team event. Tim Thomas's decision to not attend the White House ceremony honoring his team violated a principle. Tim Thomas decided to enforce his personal rights to not attend his team’s visit Monday to meet Barack Obama at the White House. Tim Thomas was never invited. Then there is Pittsburgh Steelers star James Harrison who declined the invitation to meet Obama in 2009 because he “just didn’t want to go,” according to his agent. 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