Bruins goalie Tim Thomas (refused invitation to the White House) greeted by Obama masks - Hilarious!

[underpants]

Bruins goalie Tim Thomas passed on meeting with Barack Obama last year. He couldn't miss the president's face last night.

Thomas protested when his Stanley Cup winning teammates went to the White House saying the Federal goverment had threatened the rights and liberties of its citizens.



So Cap fans reminded him of his "free citizen" rights by peppering the Verizon Center with posters and masks with the president's face on them.

"What did Wayne Gretzky say? You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take. This was too much of an opportunity to pass up," Mike Holden of Rockville, Md., told Stephen Whyno of the Washington Post. "We had Timmy coming to town, and he wants this issue to go away, and we figured we'd put it right in his face."

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/04/bruins-goalie-tim-thomas-greeted-by-obama-masks/1

[Sarah Ibarruri]

1. Oh? He's a piece of shit Repugnican? nt

[liberal N proud]

2. Sounds like a teabagger.

[Iggo]

10. His hero is Glenn Beck.

No kidding.

[TheCowsCameHome]

11. Probably smells like one, too.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

18. Are they not the same animal? nt

[gtar100]

54. Isn't it funny how respect for a person just withers when you find out they're republican.

What better way to tell the world you're a self-serving, me-first, screw-everyone-else, kind of person than admitting you're a republican. Then there are those who, having realized the mockery of humanity that is today's republican party, couch their me-first, screw-everyone-else, beliefs in declarations of being an "independent" or "libertarian". They actually hold out the notion that claiming to be a "conservative" actually holds any form of integrity. But what it really reveals is that they are just delusional and a danger to the world around them.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

57. Yes! Yup! What you said is soooo true, that it's scary. Zero integrity and a danger to others.

Knowing someone is a Republican is a sure-fire way of knowing the person is a totally arrogant prick and a sociopath/psychopath. And it's funny, you can't always tell by looking at the person until they open their stinking piehole, but oh boy the minute they open that sewage hole, though, the shit that comes through it makes it very clear they're Republican.

[AsahinaKimi]

65. agree...

100%

[Jamaal510]

69. That happened to me once I found out Tim Tebow is a Republican.

I'll never understand how a person can supposedly be so religious, yet follow a political ideology that tries to justify selfishness and political incorrectness.

[awoke_in_2003]

70. where have you been lately?...

people who are transparently fake christian, like Tebow, are always republican.

[Myrina]

72. ... don't know that he's officially a Pug, but he is misinformed ...

... seems to think that the Obama Admin is the one that started the massive increase in the size of Fed Gov't.

Apparently was in a puck-to-the-head coma 10 years ago when Dimson started Homeland Security, the TSA, TIPS (nark on your neighbor) and all the unwarranted eavesdropping programs ...

[Sarah Ibarruri]

78. Those pucks to the head will do it every time. How do we explain the rest of Repukes tho?!

[alcibiades_mystery]

3. Ahahahaha...I now want the Caps to win this series

Of course, I wanted that before, but now I really want it.

[GoCubsGo]

6. Me, too.

And, if the Blackhawks get knocked out, I'll root for them the rest of the way.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

34. Sure.....penalize the 20some other guys who proudly went to the White House.

[Joey Liberal]

75. I want the Bruins to win

And maybe other fans can give Tim Thomas a hard time too. He's so deserving.

[lunatica]

4. I'm sure he feels victimized now

First the President invites him to the White House and now this! Everyone is just picking on the poor guy. The humiliation must be unbearable.

[emulatorloo]

62. Those fans are taking away his Freedom of Speech!

[MADem]

5. He's not "beloved in Boston" for his meanspirited, "I am more IMPORTANT THAN THE TEAM" attitude

When you win and get the invite to the WH, you go--even if it's Bush or Nixon or Warren Harding holding the office--it's all about the national recognition on behalf of your team and your fans.

It is boorish behavior to make it all about yourself, and that's what that dickhead did.

I love that the opposition did this even though I'm an occasional B's fan.

[polmaven]

7. You got that right.

I was embarrassed to be part of Bruins nation when he did that.

[Ikonoklast]

14. When the President Of The United States invites you over for a meet-and-greet, you go.

I don't care if it's President Lucifer, you go, shake his hand, and tell him that even though you do not support the man or his policies, you respect the office.

And if he thinks that he caused anyone any grief or distress to the president because he acted like a boor, he is a typical delusional right-wing nutjob to whom reality is a foreign country.

[MADem]

26. We're in the same place on this issue.

It's not simply about the individual, either, when a team is invited. It's about the fan base and the recognition--not if the office holder happens to be a jerk.

[PatSeg]

28. Agreed

Professional sports figures are expected to do many things publicly for their team. They are paid very well to make public appearances and being invited to the White House is a pretty big deal. There are times when a person needs to put their ego and issues to the side and do what is expected of them.

[Daniel537]

35. This is not a dictatorship.

No one has to meet anyone they don't want to, including the POTUS.

[FailureToCommunicate]

42. Pro sports teams ARE like a "dictatorship" unlike the USA. If the team is told

to go, you go. Or go home.
New England loves the Bruins, and for his skill, the goalie...
For his self-centered ego and politics...not so much.

[Daniel537]

48. And the team didn't require him to go, and he chose not to go. n/t

[hack89]

49. Most Bruins fans could care less

the only people I know that made a fuss were not sports fans.

[Ikonoklast]

53. President For Life Santorum would have you executed for your insolence.

But, you are correct, Right Wing Assholes can act in any way they seem fit, even turning down a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shake the president's hand in the Oval Office, and others can support them in their choices.

I suppose that you would also decline the invite.

[AlbertCat]

46. I don't care if it's President Lucifer,

yeah... but is President Lucifer black?

[Capt. Obvious]

15. To be fair, I loved it when Manny stiffed dubya

twice.

[12AngryBorneoWildmen]

16. Cuz W lost the election twice.

[MADem]

20. The only thing I liked about Manny was his talent. I really didn't like any of his "antics."

To me, "Manny being Manny" was "Manny being an insufferable, pompous, unsportsmanlike asshole and a bad example to children." Of course, he was juiced, so there ya go. It wasn't all real.

I know it's Dumbo, but ya hold your nose and do it.

[JonLP24]

22. I personally wouldn't go if Dubya was in the office

I'd find something better to do.

[MADem]

24. I'd go. I would be polite and not embarrass the team during the ceremonies.

Afterwards, when asked about the ceremonies, I would take the opportunity to point out that I disagree with the guy about, oh, EVERYTHING.

I'd do it in a polite and reasonable manner, too, which would encourage others looking for a good "get" in an interview to ask a political question or two, where I'd elaborate. I would also say that I respect the office of the Presidency even if I disagree with the office holder about (insert pertinent issue of the day here).

When one behaves like an adult, it usually comes off better than being petulant, like Tim Thomas. See what he's reaping by being a little shit? That crap cuts both ways.

[JonLP24]

27. OK, I could see the embarrass point

Previously, I never understood arguments about "the team" because I never thought declining an invitation negatively effected the team and judging the Bruins they have a decent shot at repeat and judging by the (roughly) 70% of teams that win game 3 in a 1-1 goes on to win the series stat, they're in good shape.

Perhaps I wouldn't give the real reason but would find something else to do, like go on vacation--http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x368500

To conclude, I'll repeat something hughee99 said, "It's an honor to get invited to the WH, but it's not an obligation, IMHO."

[MADem]

31. If you beg off because your mother is sick or your cousin is getting married or you want to attend

a birthday party of a dear friend or you made vacation plans way in advance, well, no one cares if you don't turn up (even if the excuse is false).

But to use the occasion to make it all about "the petulant one" and his self-important views about the federal government (like we give a fuck what a puck target thinks) is just shitty. It reflects poorly on the team, because it makes it look like ONE guy feels like he doesn't have to do what the rest of the group is doing, because his views are more important and he's special.

It doesn't affect team performance, it affects team PERCEPTION. His dickishness reflects poorly on the rest of the Bruins franchise.

Adults sometimes do things they might not like to do. His childishness reflected poorly on the team, particularly in Blue MA.

[JonLP24]

32. IMO

Perception is affected by those depending on which side of the aisle they stand on. Sure, plenty now here are saying that you should accept an invite no matter who is handing it but there are plenty of threads applauding athletes/coaches who didn't accept during the Bush years even if they weren't actually taking a stand(like Ozzie's vacation). I doubt many conservatives criticized Thomas' decision.

I have no reason to believe you feel differently but I feel the majority of praises and criticism stems from politics, rather than team, or honor of the WH. The reason I don't criticize TT for this, his opinions I do, because I would do the same thing if Bush was in the WH and wouldn't care what conservatives thought about it(I image most Dems would praise me).

[MADem]

33. Well, ya reap what ya sow. I think it's self-aggrandizing conduct.

TT figured that out when he saw those Obama images surrounding him, I'm guessing. Anyone who wasn't aware of his stupid political POV is well aware of it now, too.

[GoCubsGo]

40. I would.

And, he'd get an earful from me. No way in hell I'd pass up that chance.

[virgogal]

66. Re: Manny. I agree with everything you said. n/t

[bongbong]

23. Dubya?

He was just the spokesman for the REAL un-elected president, Deadeye Dick.

[Joey Liberal]

76. I'm a hardcore Bruins fan

But I loved what those fans did. I'm sick of Tim Thomas and his "me first" attitude. He let his team down by not going to the White House with them.

[MADem]

80. Every time I see that "Savin' It" commercial he made, I pick up the remote and click.

He's an insufferable ass. The rest of the team is fine by me, though!

[southernyankeebelle]

8. Sometimes a picture says it all. Bam

[Blue_Tires]

9. The "I totally printed this using taxpayer $$$$$" sign is world-class trolling

I salute that fan

[TheCowsCameHome]

12. Hopefully there won't be a WH invitaion to decline

this year, you smarmy, bearded, teabagging prick.

[GoCubsGo]

38. I'm hoping his hometown team gets to pay another visit. n/t

[iandhr]

44. There won't be. GO RANGERS

[Danmel]

13. that is very funny

Hopefully he wont get a second chance to snub the president. Moran.

[countryken]

17. Go Caps

Now that we're getting ready to stick a fork into my Penguins, Go Caps!

[MADem]

21. Your Penguins were too busy biting Newt Gingrich!

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2012/04/Penguin-Bites-Newt-Human-Presidential-Candidate-Survives-Winged-Assassin-Attack

Oh, wait...different penguin!

[The Wizard]

19. Tim Thomas

stopped too many shots with his head.

[MADem]

25. And not one of those damn pucks hit anywhere near his huge ego! nt

[Dawson Leery]

29. ..............

Raise his taxes Barry!

[tallahasseedem]

30. This is AWESOME!

I was wondering how some of the fans might handle this...brilliant!

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

36. He's going to get traded by us in the offseason

The Bruins management was PISSED by his bullshit......but I won't let facts get in the way of some of you Bruins haters in this thread.

[alcibiades_mystery]

37. Don't worry mah dooooo

I was a Bruins hater long before this particular asshole showed up on the scene.

[KamaAina]

39. Tim Thomas must be the greatest hockey player in the whole wide world

Who else could play goalie and right wing at the same time?

[geardaddy]

59. DUzy!

[sulphurdunn]

41. The first word I saw

when I read the name on his uniform was UNIROYAL.

[iandhr]

43. LOVE IT

Ashamed to admit he went to my alma mater.

[DinahMoeHum]

45. From a DU link: "Tim Thomas? Whatever, Bro"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/120410789

[DeSwiss]

47. K&R

[AnnieBW]

50. Rock the Red!

Yay, Caps fans! Rock the Red!

[neverforget]

51. I love what fans do to try to get under the skin of opposing players.

Too funny!

[Tax Man]

52. african-american football, basketball, baseball players who -

attended welcoming ceremonies hosted by george w. bush at the white house. gee, i wonder if any of them disagreed with dubya's policies but attended anyway. because they respected the office of the presidency. tim thomas is an asshole.

[SunSeeker]

55. You earned that Karma, Tim!

[DCBob]

56. I was at that game. I didnt see the posters on the glass but..

the fans were giving him shit most of the night shouting "thaaaamas... thaaaaamas". We also met up with some Bruin fans before the game at a local bar who also thought his Obama snub was dumb. We bought them some beers... cheers!

Caps gotta win Thursday night! GO CAPS!

[MADem]

67. See, even Boston thinks he's a dink!

Stopped too many pucks with that big old head of his!

[geardaddy]

58. For someone who hates big gubmint....

he sure has played the majority of his career in evil socialist countries.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Thomas_(ice_hockey)

[Beacool]

60. What's the big deal?

There is a long list of players who chose to skip a visit to the WH.

There are others who’ve skipped out on White House championship trips. Green Bay Packers Tight End Mark Chmura refused to meet with Bill Clinton in 1997; Manny Ramirez refused to meet with George W. Bush in 2007; Steelers Linebacker James Harrison was a bi-partisan snubber skipping a meeting with Bush in 2006 and with Obama in 2009. League MVP and right wing baseball player Albert Puljos skipped out on two recent White House trips as well. He has attended Glenn Beck rallies (claiming it was values not politics based) and also supports Sarah Palin, but in a classic case of politically contradictory behavior he is vehemently against Arizona’s draconian new immigration law – something that Obama and the Justice Department are trying to overturn. My personal favorite is the Larry Bird snub of Ronald Reagan after the Celtic’s 1986 championship. Bird famously skipped out on meeting Reagan in 1986 reportedly telling a reporter the next day that “the president knew where to find him.”

http://drjasonjohnson.com/2012/01/30/tim-thomas-and-the-wide-world-of-white-house-sports-snubs/

[olegramps]

73. You can add John Elway to that list. Most overrated QB in history. The defense won it for team.

[underpants]

79. I did not know that Bird snubbed Reagan

Bird, with World B. Free and Maravich...oh and Moses, is a basketball GOD to me. I used to play every day, every day.

[-..__...]

61. I wouldn't have gone either... no matter whom was in office.

One... unless it's a legal requirement or part of my work duties, I have no obligation to cater to the whims of others or their expectations of me... especially from someone I don't even know.
Nothing political or personal about it.

Two... I hate... no, make that despise dress up/formal affairs, gatherings.

Weddings are painful for me. I avoid them as much as possible.

Funerals/wakes? I make my appearance, give my condolences, catch up on some old news with others, then get the fuck out of there.

[LynneSin]

63. I still find it neat that the Phillies held off going to the White House until 2009

When the Phillies won the World Series in 2008, they didn't go to the White House until early 2009. But I think for them who wants to meet Bush when you have a chance to do a photo up for the first person of color elected as President of the United States!

[edbermac]

64. Don't give a shit about his opinions, just keep the puck out of the net.

And I'll be wearing an Obama mask at the victory parade just to piss him off.

GO BRUINS!!

[MADem]

68. HA! Now that's some fine parsing! Clever indeed! Well done! nt

[Namvet67]

71. Which Rights were taken away from him?.....did he say....could he point them out?....NO

[Joey Liberal]

74. I'm a Bruins fan, but I can't stand Tim Thomas

I hope the Bruins trade him. He's a great goalie but a total nutjob rightwinger.

[fascisthunter]

77. One of The Best Goalies ever... a shame

he's brainwashed by a culture and its politics. Well, he got what he deserved, but thankfully he helped my home team win.