Jun 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half in game two of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports – 10092158
(USA Today Sports)
President Trump rescinded Golden State Warrior star Stephen Curry’s invitation to the White House on Saturday after Curry suggested he doesn’t want to go to the Washington event that will honor his team’s 2016-2017 NBA championship.
“Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!” Trump tweeted Saturday morning.
On Friday, Curry told ESPN that he doesn’t want to go the White House event but that the team will decide collectively.
He also seemed to suggest that not going would be part of the resist-Trump movement, saying the move would give the Warriors “an opportunity to send a statement that hopefully encourages unity, encourages us to appreciate what it means to be American, and stand for something.”
Whether Trump has rescinded just Curry or the entire team’s invitation is unclear.
Championship-winning teams attending the White House ceremony has become an increasingly political issue since Trump became president.
BRADY AMONG SEVERAL NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PLAYERS WHO SKIPPED WHITE HOUSE VISIT
Most recently rampant speculation arose after NFL Super Bowl champ New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady didn’t attend a celebration in April. At the time he cited “personal family matters” as his reason for skipping.
“Thank you to the president for hosting this honorary celebration and for supporting our team for as long as I can remember,” Brady said in a statement. “In light of some recent development, I am unable to attend today’s ceremony, as I am attending to some personal family matters.”
Brady’s teammates, Martellus Bennett, Devin McCourty, Chris Long, LaGarrette Blount, Don’t’a Hightower and Alan Branch also skipped out on the ceremony.
Trump has also recently taken issue with NFL players not standing for the playing of the national anthem before games.
The White House also hosts events for college championships teams, too.
