He's not the first to refuse the opportunity either. US Women's Olympic Soccer Coach refused to meet Bush several years ago, Matt Chmura refused to meet Clinton (for different reasons). You're entitled to your opinion and I respect that but so am I and so is Thomas, he's choosing to exercise that right on a bigger stage and I respect him for having the conviction of his beliefs.
- Double_A
If you are referring to
Mark Chmura of the Green Bay Packers... It was false reports that he was making a politcal stance.... the real reason was because the White House visit was on the same day as the Mike Utley Golf tournament that was held annually... an event he hadn't missed since the beginning.
He also didn't post a big paragraph on his facebook page stating it was a political stance.... he never really commented on the situation at all... sort of leaving it up for debate. Close friends of his maintained the reason was for the annual golf tournament though.
And who the (frank) cares about a coach not going? If Julien didn't go no one would have even noticed or cared. I don't even officially consider coaches and management apart of the "team"... the real bond and brotherhood is formed between players... not management.
The fact that we are even discussing this just proves that this was a poor decision by TT... did he think him not going would create this epiphany for everyone? this magical awakening... opening everyone's eyes to the fact that the american government has been (frank)ed up since most people posting on here were even born. Its no secret things need to change. Americans didn't need Tim (frank)ing Thomas to remind them of that.
This is an honor bestowed upon a
team since god knows how long and the key word being
team. If he were a tennis player... or a (frank)ing horse... and he didn't want to go for some individual award.. then by all means.. sully your own name.. but to shed negative light on the TEAM and the NHL as a whole is just plain idiotic.
Alright... I'm done
