Bruins won't suspend Thomas for no-show

and the story of the morning, along with the Ovi suspension...

Thomas didn't go. The world did not stop spinning. If he felt that strongly about that state of the US political system, then he is entitled to his opinion and protest.

Last time I checked, the US is a free country. That said, if he didn't want this to be "political", as his statement read, he could have had the team say that he wasn't going for personal reasons and kept his mouth shut. My guess is that he will get a chorus of boos for the next little while.

My guess is that he'll be getting a personal call from Obama asking him to have a beer and talk about what is bothering Timmy. I think Thomas is directing his protest at the wrong person as he said that his problem is with politicians in general and the sad state our country is in. You've got to remember, he is from Flint, Michigan which was one of the hardest hit areas in this poor economy. It is also an area where many young peope enlist in the armed forces because they don't have any other opportunities.

Oh, poor Timmy, so put upon. Is he worried his taxes will go up another 2%? Sigh.

Of course, he is entitled to his opinion. That's not the point. Where was his opinion the previous eight years when the Country was going to hell in a hand basket? Hmm. I am sure he was fine with those policies because it was a different chief running the show. How convenient for him to get "political" now. As far as I am concerned, none of this matters. What matters is that he made all this about HIM. Teams who have won championships have been going to the White House for years...YEARS!!! From what I read, and heard, his team really enjoyed the visit, and Obama praised him. It's about the team!!! His no-show, and statement diverted what this was about, and made it about HIM!!!! Not even about what he was trying to "protest."

Considering that the POTUS is the most powerful politician in the entire country, I really am not sure how you figure his protest isn't directed at the right person. Contrary to popular belief, Mr. Obama is as much a product of the system as anyone else in Washington.

Attendance wasn't mandatory and Thomas didn't go. End of story.

Ned, you must have checked quite a while ago. I also think your guess is wrong.

Gary, he is fed up with the state of our government (both parties) and decided not to go, instead opting for a day of R&R. If Obama and the liberals have such thin skin that this bothers them, it's on them. This really is a non-story.

So I guess he'll be giving his Gold medal back because of the shame he has for the country and the President. This was about the team not about his beliefs. It is a free country and he exercised his right not to be there, but in that situation no matter who occupies the White House, you respect the office and your team mates and you show up.I'll bet he doesn't have any problem cashing those very large paychecks he gets while working under the horrors of the current administration.

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 08:50 AM ET  01.24 by PensFanDealWithIt

Of course, he is entitled to his opinion. That's not the point.

Of course it is, but you don't agree with him so you will continue to make a big deal out of nothing.

The rest of the team had a good time and the President is already over it I'm sure.

What a jerk! Sports is a nice break from the day to day problems all of us face. We don't need politics injected into it. Mr Thomas has a right to do what he wants, but that was over the top. He's a great goalie but that sucked!

I really don't like how he put his team and team management in a tough spot by having to explain the reasons why he wasn't there.

QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 08:58 AM ET  01.24 by Senor PK no esta

I would estimate that POTUS has watched about 0 minutes of NHL coverage, regular season, stanley cup playoffs, in his lifetime, give or take a milisecond.I have a new favorite Bruin.

I'm not sure I'd be falling all over myself to meet him either.

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:42 AM ET  01.24 by Gary The Sox Fan

My guess is that he'll be getting a personal call from Obama asking him to have a beer and talk about what is bothering Timmy. I think Thomas is directing his protest at the wrong person as he said that his problem is with politicians in general and the sad state our country is in. You've got to remember, he is from Flint, Michigan which was one of the hardest hit areas in this poor economy. It is also an area where many young peope enlist in the armed forces because they don't have any other opportunities.

well said

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 08:53 AM ET  01.24 by Rex Racer

This really is a non-story.

If he showed up it was a non-story, by him not showing up, then giving us his own little Gettysburg address he made it a story. He has absolutely the right not to show up, and he exercised it. Just doesn't mean it was right or not. This was about his team winning the cup, not about politics. Maybe a few to many pucks to the head to realize it.

I respect the man tremendously for taking a stand and voicing his displeasure with the current state of things, and that he didn't give his own party a free pass either. We have to hold everbody accountable, including the White House.

Thomas has done one of the most selfish things I've ever seen a Bruin do. He put himself above the team, and in doing so distracted from the team's celebration. All you need to see is the headlines...they are all about Thomas' no-show, not the B's taking their victory visit to the WH. I don't give two **** about his politics, and he obviously doesn't give two **** about what his team wants. Management asked him to go, and has been talking to him for months about this, but he thumbed his nose at them. The pic of him holding the Cup in the air in Vancouver that's been on my desktop since it was taken is now gone, as is any respect I had for him as a Bruin. Great goalie, selfish DB.