(SI.com) -- The Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins visited the White House today to be honored by President Barack Obama, but the team's star goaltender declined to attend for poltical reasons.
According to Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli, who had discussed the matter with Thomas several times during the past three months, "Everyone has the right to voice their opinion. This is not the first time" an athlete has turned down a presidential invitation.
Thomas, who is known to hold staunchly conservative views, plans to publicly explain on his Facebook page tonight around 6 p.m. Eastern time.
"Whatever he will say is not reflective of our organization's views or beliefs," Chiarelli said.
"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People,” Thomas said in a statement. “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. 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."
