The Pittsburgh Penguins have accepted an invitation to attend a White House ceremony celebrating their second-straight Stanley Cup championship, saying they “respect the Office of the President” while agreeing with others who feel the need to take a knee in protest.
“The Pittsburgh Penguins respect the institution of the Office of the President, and the long tradition of championship teams visiting the White House,” the team said in a statement issued Sunday morning. “We attended White House ceremonies after previous championships – touring the historic building and visiting briefly with Presidents George H.W. Bush and Barack Obama – and have accepted an invitation to attend again this year.”
And addressing the controversy roiling the NFL after Trump on Friday called on team owners to fire players who kneel during the national anthem, the Penguins said they are aware of the need for expression.
”Any agreement or disagreement with a president’s politics, policies or agenda can be expressed in other ways,” the statement said. “ However, we very much respect the rights of other individuals and groups to express themselves as they see fit.”
Trump followed up his Friday comments in Alabama by disinviting Golden State Warriors MVP Stephen Curry, and apparently the entire team, from a White House visit to honor the NBA champs.