President Trump tweeted yesterday that he does "not want the Warriors to visit" the White House after hearing Warriors G Stephen Curry "reiterate his stance that he would not want to visit" to celebrate the team's NBA championship (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 9/24). Curry said, "I don’t know why he feels the need to target certain individuals rather than others. I have an idea of why, but it’s kind of beneath the leader of a country to go that route." Warriors coach Steve Kerr: "We would, in normal times, easily be able to set aside political views, and go visit and have a great time" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/24). A statement from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver: "I was in favor of the team visiting the White House and thought it was a rare opportunity for these players to share their views directly with the President. ... I am proud of our players for taking an active role in their communities and continuing to speak out on critically important issues" (NBA).
Meanwhile, the Penguins in a statement this morning said they have "accepted an invitation" to attend the White House this year after winning the Stanley Cup. The team added, "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" (Penguins).
