Suspension Not Required. Really?

"I'm not suspending him" - Peter Chiarelli, Boston Bruins General Manager in regards to Tim Thomas.

First, a bit of background. Today was the day when the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins had their visit with the President of the United States, Barack Obama.

Tim Thomas, starting goalie and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, declined to attend for 'personal reasons.'

(forgive the 5 minute photoshop)

General Manager Peter Chiarelli had to have a press conference to answer all the questions from the "media" as to whether or not Thomas would be suspended. The answer was no.

My question is this.... has our society fallen into that big of a cesspool that this is news? Suspended???? What did he do that was wrong? What business is it of anyone's why he chose not to attend. Maybe he needs a rest. Maybe his wife is having a baby. Maybe he, like a lot of Americans, disagrees with the direction Obama has taken the country. What does it matter?

There was a lot of talk pointing out that "Thomas was the only player who did not attend." Well, that's not surprising. Thomas is one of only two Americans on the Bruins. (I still love it when the Bruins fans chant USA! USA! when they play the Leafs or Canadiens)
So really, only two Bruins would have any opinion on Mr Obama. All of the Canadians, Fins, Swedes, Russians etc... on the roster would go just for the free food.

Number one, I can't believe I'm sticking up for a Bruin, and number two, I can't believe people make that much of a big deal out of it. The last time I checked, people in the U.S. still had freedom of choice. Unlike the current direction of my beloved country......

Sit back, relax, and focus your conceerns on something that really matters.

Just my two cents.


EDIT: as I posted this, Tim Thomas released the following statement...

"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People," Thomas' statement read. "This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government."

"Because I believe this," the statement continued, "today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. 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."