The Biden administration has been snubbed by the Georgia Bulldogs football team, who declined an invitation to the White House. The reason given was that the date suggested, June 12, was not feasible given the student-athlete calendar and time of year.
The 2022 Bulldogs, led by head coach Kirby Smart, defended their national championship title after winning the 2021 season. They finished the regular season 12-0, won the SEC championship game against LSU, and mounted the largest 4th-quarter comeback in CFP history to beat Ohio State in the Peach Bowl.
Georgia dominated TCU 65-7 in the 2023 CFP National Championship, becoming the first team since 2012 to repeat as national champions and completing a 15-0 season, with the largest margin of victory in any bowl game result ever.
While the official statement from the team expressed appreciation for the invitation, some argue the snub is indicative of the growing discontent towards the Biden administration.
News: Georgia has turned down an invitation to the White House: pic.twitter.com/Fan0VxN3Ra
— Seth Emerson (@SethWEmerson) May 9, 2023
This rebuff by the Bulldogs is reminiscent of similar snubs by championship teams. The New England Patriots and the Golden State Warriors declined invitations to the White House in the past, citing political differences with the administration.
The 2019 LSU football team remains the last college football champion to have visited the White House, under former President Trump.
The Alabama football team did not attend after the 2020 season due to COVID-19 pandemic protocols. Following their previous championship win in the 2021 season, Georgia did not visit the White House, citing COVID protocols as well.
However, the White House released a statement on Feb. 22, expressing that “The President looks forward to welcoming the Georgia Bulldogs to the White House.”
REACTIONS:
The University of Georgia football team has said “no thank you” to an invitation from President Joe Biden to celebrate the team’s national championship at the White House 🇺🇸😳🏆 pic.twitter.com/EcSuxKOYDL
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) May 10, 2023
University of Georgia football has DECLINED an invitation to the White House from Joe Biden.
Do you agree with their decision?
YES or NO?
— The Trump Train 🚂🇺🇸 (@The_Trump_Train) May 10, 2023
Georgia’s Championship Football team will not visit the White House for a second straight year. Turns out the number one defense in the country has no desire to hang with a President who doesn’t believe in stopping the run at our Souther Border.
— Jimmy Failla (@jimmyfailla) May 10, 2023