Penguins heading to White House
PITTSBURGH — The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins say they’ve accepted an invitation from Donald Trump to visit the White House, while players, coaches and owners in the National Football League and National Basketball Association have been involved in an escalating war of words with the U.S. president.
The Penguins released a statement Sunday saying they respect the office of the president and “the long tradition of championship teams visiting the White House.” The National Hockey League’s Penguins were honoured by Barack Obama after winning the Stanley Cup in 2016 and previously by George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s.
“Any agreement or disagreement with a president’s politics, policies or agenda can be expressed in other ways. However, we very much respect the rights of other individuals and groups to express themselves as they see fit,” the team said.
“Please to inform that the Champion Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL will be joining me at the White House for Ceremony. Great team!” Trump posted on Twitter on Sunday.
Trump revoked the White House invitation to the NBA champion Golden State Warriors on Saturday after the team had said they might not accept, a decision that led to rebukes from star players including LeBron James and Chris Paul. He also said that NFL owners should “fire” players who kneel during the national anthem in protest, prompting angry responses from the league and the NFL Players Association.
There isn’t much in the way of tension between Trump and the NHL, where Americans make up the minority of players.