Nationals Players Cause Controversy In White House Visit

WASHINGTON, DC — It was certainly an eventful visit to the White House for the World Series Champion Washington Nationals, with two players in particular stirring up a little bit of controversy by taking what many perceived as a political stance at the ceremony.

Catcher Kurt Suzuki has sparked by far the most talk after he gleefully donned a bright red Make America Great Again hat and was hugged around the chest by President Trump.

Suzuki told the crowd, "I love you all, I love you all. Thank you."

Suzuki later denied it was political, telling USA Today he was "just trying to have some fun."

Ryan Zimmerman didn't go quite as far, but his comments were perceived by many as being pro-Trump.

"This is an incredible honor I'd like to think none of us will ever forget," the first baseman said after he presented Trump with a custom Nationals jersey. "We'd also like to thank you for keeping everyone here safe in our country and continuing to make America the greatest country to live in the world."

Congratulations, @Nationals! #FIGHTFINISHED pic.twitter.com/a1ZSHMDqm3
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 5, 2019

The champions of major sports have long made routine visits to the White House, which had always been viewed as a non-partisan affair. However, the election of President Trump has caused every such visit to be surrounded by controversy.

Widespread opposition to Trump in the NBA has prompted the president to ignore the sport entirely after he disinvited the Golden State Warriors. He also disinvited the Philadelphia Eagles when many players decided not to attend after their Super Bowl win. However, the president has had a close personal relationship with New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft and the team has largely showed up after their Super Bowl wins.

Most of the Washington Capitals visited the White House after they won the Stanley Cup last year, except for Braden Holtby -- an outspoken LGBTQ advocate -- and Devante Smith-Pelly, one of the few non-white players in the NHL.

Multiple Nationals players skipped the White House. Closer Sean Doolittle, an outspoken progressive, was the first to announce he wouldn't attend. National League Most Valuable Player candidate Anthony Rendon also skipped, as well as lineup regulars Michael Taylor and Victor Robles. Wilmer Difo, Wander Suero, Joe Ross, and Javy Guerra also didn't show, although Guerra reportedly did not attend because he was preparing for a wedding and the reasons of the other players were not listed.