Tim Thomas Declines Bruins Visit to White House

President Barack Obama welcomed Boston Bruins players, coaches and management to the White House Monday in recognition of the team's .

Noticeably absent from the festivities, however, was Boston's star goaltender, Tim Thomas, who was one of just two American players on last season's roster.

According to a report from the Boston Globe, Thomas declined the visit for political reasons and later explained his reasons on his Facebook page saying it was a statement against the federal government, which he says has "grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People."

"Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House," Thomas went on to say in his statement. "This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL."

reacted in a Boston Globe article, saying there will be no discipline over Thomas' decision.

“I can require someone to attend a team event. If they don’t, I can suspend him,” Chiarelli told The Globe. “I’m not suspending Tim. Whatever his position is, it isn’t reflective of the Boston Bruins nor my own. But I’m not suspending him.”

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