The Dodgers' decision to visit President Trump at the White House following their World Series win in 2024 has elicited significant backlash, particularly in Los Angeles. Critics question the appropriateness of celebrating a victory with a president whose values clash with those the Dodgers publicly represent. Some advocate for a boycott, recalling the actions of teams like the Warriors and Eagles who refused to honor previous invites. Nonetheless, the article suggests that attending does not equate to endorsement, and historical examples show the potential impact of athletes confronting political issues directly.
Calls immediately came for the Dodgers to follow the lead of champions like the Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia Eagles, who boycotted the White House during Trump's first term as a rebuke of everything he stands for.
Boycotts are a time-honored tradition in sports. In 2020, the Milwaukee Bucks refused to play to protest the police shooting of a Black man in Wisconsin, leading to similar actions by teams across the NBA.
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