The website FiveThirtyEight says the odds favor the United States team winning the Women’s World Cup. But if that happens don’t expect to see the team visit the White House.
The magazine Eight by Eight asked co-captain Megan Rapinoe, “Are you excited about going to the White House.” She replied with some choice words adding “we’re not going to be invited.”
In a related print story, the magazine writes, “Is the co-captain speaking for the whole team here? Rapinoe pauses, long enough for her mouth to curl into an impish grin. “I don’t know everyone’s voting patterns on our team,” she says, chortling, “but I would hope no one voted for him.”
Donald Trump heard of the slight. The Hill writes:
President Trump on Monday said he does not think it’s appropriate for Megan Rapinoe, a co-captain of the U.S. women’s soccer team, to protest during the national anthem.
“No. I don’t think so,” Trump said.
And now today Trump fired off a series of rambling tweets responding to Rapinoe’s latest comments saying:
Women’s soccer player, @mPinoe, just stated that she is “not going to the F…ing White House if we win.” Other than the NBA, which now refuses to call owners, owners (please explain that I just got Criminal Justice Reform passed, Black unemployment is at the lowest level in our Country’s history, and the poverty index is also best number EVER), leagues and teams love coming to the White House. I am a big fan of the American Team, and Women’s Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven’t yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose. Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!
Fact check: All teams haven’t loved coming to the White House since Trump moved in. The Business Insider writes:
In a little over two years since Trump took office, 20 teams in major sports (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, WNBA, college football, men’s and women’s college basketball) have won championships, and during that time, the long-standing tradition of title-winners visiting the White House has turned into a bit of a circus.
Half of the 20 teams were either not invited or declined the invitation for varying reasons.
And the site adds:
The ceremonies for the other half either raised eyebrows or were marred by various reasons, including the absence of notable players, the presence of players who looked unhappy, teams that appeared to be embarrassed about the trip, and the growing habit of serving fast food to world-class athletes.
