Some Bruins staffers aren’t happy with Tim Thomas’ decision

Joe Yerdon

Jan 25, 2012, 9:23 AM EDT

83 Comments

AP

A lot of Tim Thomas‘ Bruins teammates are putting on the good face to say that his decision to not join the team at the White House for their visit with President Barack Obama. Others in the organization aren’t too happy though.

Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe talks about Thomas’ White House snub once again today and in speaking with some Bruins players and staffers, he finds out that not everyone was happy about Thomas staying back at the hotel.

It was Timmy being Timmy.

“[Expletive] selfish [expletive],’’ one team source said.

Filling in the blanks there would only tell you that Thomas opting to avoid President Obama manged to peeve those close to the team. These ill feelings pop up even in spite of the Bruins knowing about Thomas’ decision for some time. Milan Lucic, however, tells Shinzawa that not everyone is taking things so close to heart.

“It is what it is,’’ Bruins winger Milan Lucic said. “I don’t think it really matters what I think about it. I still enjoyed the day and took part in the opportunity.

“I know the other guys that were there had a lot of fun. It’s something that I, personally, will remember for the rest of my life.’’

You would like to think that Thomas’ decision won’t lead to discord in the Bruins locker room, but things are uncomfortable right now. Winning will cure all ills, but with this story left to fester during the All-Star Break we’re not likely to see things die down anytime soon.

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83 Comments (Feed for Comments)

pittsburghpoonslayer - Jan 25, 2012 at 9:28 AM

Shouldn’t have signed a commie to be your goalie boston. Lets shoot him out of a canon into the atlantic ocean
- letangshair - Jan 25, 2012 at 9:32 AM
  
  dump his body right next to bin ladens
- elvispocomo - Jan 25, 2012 at 2:11 PM
  
  Honestly, a commie? Are Americans so afraid of socialism (ironically something Thomas is likely against since he’s a Glenn Beck fan) that they need to revert to the cold war era for insults to someone who doesn’t like the government?
  
  At worst, you could maybe try and insult Thomas by calling him a Confederate, but commie? Really?
  
  “It is better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
- truehockeyfan - Jan 25, 2012 at 3:07 PM
  
  Thomas is simply showing his showing his disdain for current administratiom and socialism…hes excercising his right not to go hes not anti american just anti obama so what….so am I
  - bosfaninva - Jan 25, 2012 at 3:34 PM
    
    So you think Timmy was lying when he said this wasn’t about politics? Good, so do I. But I think he was being a dick.
- bosfaninva - Jan 25, 2012 at 3:36 PM
  
  he’s not a commie, he’s a teabagger.
jamesmakesurmomneil - Jan 25, 2012 at 9:33 AM

Way to go timmy the commie! Thank you for wrecking the locker room and for turning your back on this great country. It’s known fact that Timmy has 3 kids and all of there names start with K. Don’t believe me, look it up. This guy is a joke, please step up USA hockey and get rid of this racist low life, so he can continue his persuit of becoming a grand wizard.
- bcjim - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:13 AM
  
  I think you need to go back and review where on the political ideology spectrum “commie” falls.
- bikey1277 - Jan 25, 2012 at 6:14 PM
  
  Are you really that clueless? He is a republican, you idiot/troll (just pick the one that suits you).
kellyb9 - Jan 25, 2012 at 9:45 AM

From a larger perspective, the NHL doesn’t need stories like this. He’s completely free or not to go, but I think it would have been a wise move to attend on the NHL’s behalf. Also, it’s a once and a lifetime opportunity to go to the White House… so there’s always that.
ndrdog - Jan 25, 2012 at 9:58 AM

Good going T-T-T-ttt-TIMMY!
Ralphie - Jan 25, 2012 at 10:09 AM

It’s always interesting when that guy know as “Un-named”, or “Team Sources” speak to reporters. He’s on ever team by the way. He’s bright, articulate and colorful and always allows the “story” or “quote” to be framed just the way the reporter wants it to be portrayed; or even better yet, Un-named allows the story to be milked for days on end. He’s fantastic like that.
xxshookonexx - Jan 25, 2012 at 10:13 AM

I bet Alain Vigneault thinks this is suspension worthy
- habsman - Jan 25, 2012 at 10:26 AM
  
  Until recently, Bruins very very rarely got suspended. (Greg & Colie).
- bigtganks - Jan 25, 2012 at 1:06 PM
  
  Is that what Jack Edwards and his dog said?
pepper2011 - Jan 25, 2012 at 10:23 AM

Calling him a “commie” or a racist” is just plain ignorant. Personally, I don’t like his choice, but ultimately it’s his decision. He chose himself over his team. There have been athletes who have declined in the past; really – who cares? To call him a “commie” is just about the dumbest thing I have ever heard, he actually exercised his freedom (in a way I wouldn’t have chosen). If you actually believe he is a “commie” you should take a long look in the mirror and then look up the definition of Communism. When people throw around terms like that and don’t understand then this country becomes a very scary place. I would have gone out of respect, for this country, the office of presidency and the soldiers who defend it, but calling him a communist is ignorant and wrong. by saying that you are walking a closer line to fascism than Tim walks to communism.
- pepper2011 - Jan 25, 2012 at 10:27 AM
  
  …and racist cause his kids names start with “k” – come on now, you are smarter than that. The dude is from Flint Michigan and I believe he still lives there in the off season. if he was two kids would he be a racist? what about 4?
  - elvispocomo - Jan 25, 2012 at 2:19 PM
    
    He clearly wasn’t racist until he had the third. And if he adopts a cat and names it ‘Kitteh’ then he’ll no longer be racist again!
  - Ralphie - Jan 25, 2012 at 3:45 PM
    
    elvis,
    
    pure genius
    
    +1
jordthekid - Jan 25, 2012 at 10:45 AM

As a Nucks fan I’d have to say this is the most ridiculous topic. Leave the guy alone.
pdmjr - Jan 25, 2012 at 10:48 AM

Hey the country is being run into bankruptcy and the politicos are doing nothing to stop it

It’s about time someone stepped up and said so.

Run for office Tim, be an inspiration
henchman24 - Jan 25, 2012 at 10:49 AM

Although it was a team function and he should have probably been fined for not attending, I respect him choosing not to go. Why do peeps on here get all bent out of shape over crap like this? Who cares, dude gets paid to stop the puck, not for his political ideology.
babar61 - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:04 AM

As a Canucks fan this whole thing is great. For one, I respect Thomas for excercising the freedom he has by not going. His statement said he doesn’t like what the government is doing as a whole entity, not just Obama. So many responses I have read go from him being a communist, a racist, or a selfish prick…or all 3. Surely there are people who have done worse and people are calling for the guys head. However if it does cause tension in the bruins lockeroom and Boston fans turn on thomas and boo him then sounds great to me:)
bostonsfullofrats - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:08 AM

another bruins article on how they suck

makes me sick how these rats dived, cryed, and hid behind chara all the way to the cup.

fuck boston stop with these crappy articles
- back2backbees - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:30 AM
  
  clowny troll
- drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 1:45 PM
  
  If you don’t like the articles, you’re helping them stay in business by posting such puerile, inflammatory crap.
  - elvispocomo - Jan 25, 2012 at 2:21 PM
    
    Seriously, why do you keep replying to him? Are you split personality when you post on here to so you have to comment on your alter ego? I don’t get why you feed the troll.
  - drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 5:21 PM
    
    @elvis: yeah, it’s a failing of mine.
sbornstein - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:15 AM

He is from Vermont, any questions? Sad part is he thinks he is right in expressing his views about administrations vs understanding its the white house the core symbol of america. Regardless of his views on Ob
Obama its the white house. This is a republican commenting on this. Sad part is he suppose to be a roll model and has kids.
- gallyhatch - Jan 25, 2012 at 12:15 PM
  
  Try Michigan.
  - gallyhatch - Jan 25, 2012 at 1:16 PM
    
    Thumbs down all you want, Tim Thomas is from Michigan!
    
    Don’t let the facts stand in the way of your argument!
  - bikey1277 - Jan 25, 2012 at 6:23 PM
    
    He’s from Flint. The last time I checked Flint was in Michigan. Maybe the whole city moved to Vermont. I don’t know.
t16rich - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:16 AM

I remember when it was profootballtalk.com that annoyed me with their awful articles and repetitiveness. Now its prohockeytalk.com and their stupidity. Is it necassary to beat every small controversy like its a drum? The same story that, has no real meaning to hockey gets old quick. How many stupid Thomas articles have you guys done in a 36 hour period? Its over. End it, it has nothing to do with the actual game. You guys discussed it but have now made it out to be the hockey story of the season.
- gallyhatch - Jan 25, 2012 at 12:05 PM
  
  Hear hear, but can you blame the site? They are looking at the “Most Commentd” articles & trying to drum up traffic and inspire / instigate comments (did anyone else catch the headline about Ference’s “Wicked” hit on McDonagh last week? Total dig on Boston – which is fine, you can $hit on Boston all you want, just don’t pretend it’s not happening) It’s pretty transparent & plain to see.
  And, as if the articles aren’t shameful enough, this new generation of people posting comments is just pitiful.
  
  I didn’t realize how good it was a couple years ago when there were a handful of comments per story at best. (& I bet the Bruins articles back then were the least commented on!!!)
  
  And yeah, PFT is ridiculous, both the site & the people commenting on there.
- farvefromover - Jan 25, 2012 at 4:32 PM
  
  Best comment yet. I blame James O’Brien
dougr42 - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:19 AM

Hey Joe, I’m pretty sure that first sentence doesn’t make sense.
east96st - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:23 AM

I think the commie and racist stuff is nonsense. He IS a selfish teammate. He put himself above the team and now it’s his teammates being grilled by the press, not him. Tim, if you REALLY want to fix government, explain how staying away does that? You’re a man of considerable wealth and fame. If you feel the situation is SO dire, retire, and run for office yourself. Or, if you feel you’re not the man for the job, put your money and fame towards electing the guy you think can. Let me tell what complaining accomplishes. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. To quote Gandhi, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Whether you lean red or blue, those words apply, Tim. All you did was flash the spotlight on yourself and then you scurried away because the light was too bright. That’s not being a man, Tim. You have a LOT of options in your quest for change. Hopefully, in the future, you won’t choose to overshadow a team honor as your course of action. Hopefully, you’ll do something lasting and significant. Because if you don’t, Tim, you’re part of the problem. Too many people in this country TALKING, too damn few DOING.
dcfan4life - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:36 AM

Must we continue to beat a dead horse here fellas. I think most would agree he could of handled it better, but there have been war veterans who refused presidents, as well as athletes. Its not a big deal. And let it be.
- gekkoguy82 - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:41 AM
  
  I’m so friggin’ sick of hearing about this.
kiopta1 - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:50 AM

The people screaming commie and traitor are just as idiotic as those that scream that garbage at Pres. Obama.
acieu - Jan 25, 2012 at 11:57 AM

Tim Thomas is a santimonius POS asthis pussy thinks his opinion is important.
- drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 1:47 PM
  
  Based on the trollish nature of it, your opinion is even less important.
busieks - Jan 25, 2012 at 12:06 PM

WHY IS THIS STILL NEWS? NO ONE SHOULD CARE WHAT TIM THOMAS DOES OUTSIDE OF THE CREASE. HE GETS PAID TO STOP PUCKS, NOT VISIT THE WHITEHOUSE. LEAVE THE DUDE ALONE AND LET HIM EAT SOME CHEESEBURGERS.
- mojosmagic - Jan 25, 2012 at 1:11 PM
  
  That’s exactly the point Boston was being honored for winning the Cup so put on your big boy pants and enjoy the day with your team. Thomas was the only one who brought a selfish personal agenda into the White House visit!
  
  PS: Turn off the cap locks and learn how to make your point without yelling.
shutyourfivehole - Jan 25, 2012 at 12:14 PM

Old news. Show some creativity and find some new news to distort and beat to death. What do you expect from anything associated with NBC.
drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 12:30 PM

So?
drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 12:34 PM

Those of you claiming racism, and for him to be drawn and quartered: please seek professional help. Your conclusion jumping would disappoint any sixth-grade teacher.
- cshearing - Jan 25, 2012 at 1:11 PM
  
  As would most of their grammar.
mojosmagic - Jan 25, 2012 at 1:04 PM

Play hockey and when you finish you career go into politics and make changes. Otherwise this makes you look like a racist creep.
- drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 1:51 PM
  
  What, exactly, is racist about it? Conclusion-jumping.
- lamontagne42 - Jan 25, 2012 at 2:13 PM
  
  I just want to know one thing – What exactly did he say or do that makes him a racist? That is one of the dumbest things I have hear , and I have heard a bunch of stupid rants on here. I agree he handled it poorly and made himself and the Bruins organization look pretty bad. But how does any of this make him a racist? I really would like to hear your explanation for this…….
- gohawksgo2012 - Jan 26, 2012 at 4:22 AM
  
  I agree…. stay involved with the sport, and don’t “use” this very special and respectful invitation by the White House for what it is, not a way to express political views.
  
  As an American, he should especially be honored to be invited to the White House for this special event.
  
  He certainly doesn’t mind making the MILLIONS that the rest of us average Americans can only dream about!
8man - Jan 25, 2012 at 1:21 PM

It’s amazing to me how any “unnamed source” gets credibility. Seems as if the only person to actually say anything and stand behind it is Thomas himself.

And as for “Timmy being Timmy”, hey douche bags, that’s what won Boston the Cup. Everyone needs to shut the hell up!

Do your thing, Tim.
- lamontagne42 - Jan 25, 2012 at 2:14 PM
  
  that’s because there is no “unnamed source”, it is the D bag writing the article putting in his personal opinion of the situation. It is pretty sad what passes for journalism these days.
drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 1:53 PM

The main thing these threads have pointed out is that there are some dumb, dumb people in this country.
- lamontagne42 - Jan 25, 2012 at 2:15 PM
  
  you got that right
cbeal02 - Jan 25, 2012 at 2:56 PM

Not even a Boston fan , I refused to cheer for anyone from a Boston team until Tim Thomas stood up for what he believes and refused to be a Fake in front of the Worse president our country has ever had in office !! I Applaud Tim Thomas and Boo the rest of you people that would rather this man put on an act because our Horrible President wants him to !! Im a die hard Redwing Fan and if Boston dosent want him there are plenty if other teams that would jump at the chance to have him in the net !! Leave Thomas Alone he’s if anything a Hero for standing up for what he believes !!! Oh and Thank You NBC Sports for having that game on last night so I didn’t have to listen to Obamas Bs !!!
- drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 3:51 PM
  
  Gotta say, it’s kind of fitting for you to both hate Obama and be a “red-wing” fan.
rexadelphia8 - Jan 25, 2012 at 3:24 PM

It takes away from the team you baffoon
sjsharksfan11 - Jan 25, 2012 at 4:00 PM

If it were George Bush in office everyone would be ok with what he did, but since it’s a liar and a terrorist in office, the looney left and politically incorrect jackasses are up in arms. Good for you Tim. I applaud what you did. These leftist senile folk can drown for all I care.
- drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 4:02 PM
  
  I dunno if they’re leftists…more like nutbags.
  - iluvwikileaks - Jan 26, 2012 at 10:06 AM
    
    Have you taken a look at the crazies on your side of the isle, lately? Gingrich, Mittens, Bachman, Santorum, Perry, Boehner, Brewer, Cantor, ect…
- hystoracle - Jan 25, 2012 at 4:23 PM
  
  Been divisive lately? Define liar and terrorist. From the sounds of your post anything left of Rush Limbaugh is senile.. Nice. Don;t have to right or left wing to be offended by Tim Thomas’ actions. A sitting American president invites you to the White House so he can honor your achievement and you make a political statement out of it. Then go on Facebook and tell everyone that it wasn’t about politics. Whatever. Just own it and quit giving me BS. I don;t care if you agree with his politics or not – if the President asks your team to come to the White House you do it on the behave of the organization and the team. That is good exposure for your league which is viewed as heavily Canadian and European. The NHL can use all the good PR it can get to continue to grow the game. Tim Thomas’ move gives hockey a black eye.
  However, while I disagree with his actions and am appalled at the gall to flat out lie about his motivations, I support his First amendment rights to not Go and make his political statement. Just man up and own it.
  - hystoracle - Jan 25, 2012 at 4:24 PM
    
    *behave = behalf..
cbeal02 - Jan 25, 2012 at 4:09 PM

Oh you have to be a Redwing fan to hate Obama ! Interesting I think most of the country is tired of his lack of doing anything for this country , but hey he’ll be one hell of a golf player when he’s done with us !
- drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 4:30 PM
  
  Yes, though W was way worse on a lot of things.
kiopta1 - Jan 25, 2012 at 4:20 PM

Whoa don’t drag the wings good name through this bs.
hystoracle - Jan 25, 2012 at 4:27 PM

Note to PHT: I’d get away from the politics and stick with covering the sport.. The comments are starting to get out of hand…
- drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 4:37 PM
  
  That’s putting it mildly.
acieu - Jan 25, 2012 at 4:38 PM

Tom Thomas is a first class dipshit
betrayedbylife - Jan 25, 2012 at 5:11 PM

i had no idea so many morons frequented this site.
- danphipps01 - Jan 25, 2012 at 6:13 PM
  
  This must be your first time here, then, because this isn’t much worse than business as usual in a thread involving the Bruins or Canucks. Only thing we’re missing at this point is habsfan treating the “Campbell Conspiracy” like it’s a real thing or calling drewsylvania a master’s asshole. I’m still not entirely sure what that’s supposed to mean.
  
  PHT is a strange, strange place.
- iluvwikileaks - Jan 26, 2012 at 10:08 AM
  
  Don’t be so hard on yourself, moron:)
drewsylvania - Jan 25, 2012 at 5:26 PM

Now this article is showing up in the sidebar on the main page…masquerading as a different article.

Trolls.
bostonsfullofrats - Jan 25, 2012 at 6:09 PM

drewsylvania

calm down we kno ur gay with the bruins but face the facts. everyone hates em amd on top of that they plain on simple
suck balls
sjsharksfan11 - Jan 25, 2012 at 7:16 PM

Obama is NOT an American. Thomas had every right in snubbing that loser.
- danphipps01 - Jan 25, 2012 at 8:33 PM
  
  … yeah, you’re gonna have to explain this one to me. That there’s still a human being alive who believes he isn’t American (well, aside from Donald Trump, I guess) just fucking baffles me.
trbowman - Jan 25, 2012 at 10:38 PM

Too afraid to give his name and come at Thomas straight.
- iluvwikileaks - Jan 26, 2012 at 10:34 AM
  
  I challenged Timmy to a street fight a couple days ago on here. He still hasn’t shown up yet. Not so tough, huh?
ikillchicken - Jan 26, 2012 at 12:56 AM

And this is precisely why Tomas is an idiot. Whether you agree with his political views or not, by turning this into a whole big thing it has just served to create one big old divisive, uncomfortable distraction for the team. It’s an utterly selfish thing to do.
iluvwikileaks - Jan 26, 2012 at 7:04 AM

Why do you hate America, Timmy?:(
- baddorange - Jan 27, 2012 at 9:47 PM
  
  Schtupid comment, lefty
baddorange - Jan 27, 2012 at 9:46 PM

Its his right to disagree with Obama. I agree with Thomas

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