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Initially I did not pay much attention to the fact that Boston Bruin’s goaltender, Tim Thomas, one of two American’s on the 2011 Stanley Cup winning team, turned down an invitation to visit the White House and meet President Barack Obama. In fact, I simply assumed he was showing his partisan side.

“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.”

Boston Bruins goaltender, Tim Thomas. - photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

“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,” said Tim Thomas on Facebook.

It turns out, Thomas is an active member of the Tea Party movement in the United States whose libertarian views are very apparent in Thomas’ post. The Boston Globe reported that Bruin's general manager, Peter Chiarelli, had approached Thomas a few months ago regarding the ceremonial event at the White House.

What I find incredulous is that Thomas’ actions, or rather inaction, has sports analysts speculating on whether he will remain between the pipes as a Bruin. Overall, the response has been that his absence from the ceremonial event will be long forgotten when his contract expires on July 1.

Certainly there is a case to find Thomas’ actions disrespectful to Bruins management and teammates. There is also an argument to be made whether his political views are foolish or not, nonetheless he stood up for what he believes.

Thomas managed to create a lot of international chatter by standing true to his values. He remained silent on the subject other than his Facebook post and let his teammates enjoy a once in a lifetime experience. Well, who knows Boston certainly has a chance to repeat…

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