The 2011 Stanley Cup Champions, Boston Bruins, visited the White House on Monday, an honour bestowed upon the champions of all the major sporting codes in the US.

Bruins goaltender - and reigning Stanley Cup MVP - Tim Thomas, was not amongst them.

His decline of the invitation raised some serious questions, especially considering that Thomas was one of only two Americans that were on the Stanley Cup winning side.

Thomas, a noted supporter of the Tea Party movement, released the following statement on Monday evening in an attempt to explain his decision:

"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.

"This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.

"Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.

This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT"

Thomas is well within his rights to not accept the invitation, that much cannot be argued.

He clearly holds different political views to those of the President he would be visiting, but the political persuasion of Thomas is not the issue in this instance.

The issue is a matter of respect, something that Thomas showed very little of.

In just the past two weeks, on three different occasions at different sporting events, I have stood with hand on heart as the American anthem was played.

Does that anthem represent my country; a government I voted for or necessarily support?

Obviously not, but it's about respect.

A respect that carries tremendous weight in the sporting world, considering the level of involvement that sport has in shaping the American psyche.

The American sporting landscape is on the verge of being smothered by good ol' US patriotism.

You can't escape it.

Consider the fact that three of the major leagues (NBA, NFL and MLB) share their predominant colors with that of the United States flag.

As a continuation of that patriotism, the championship winning team visits the White House. It's a simple enough tradition, and most of all, a good photo opportunity for the victorious franchises.

Thomas' actions on Monday showed a level of selfishness and pettiness that is unbecoming of any athlete.

On a professional level, his actions should be frowned upon by his teammates for bringing one of their proudest moments into disrepute, but that isn't the issue at play.

As said earlier, Thomas was within his rights to take the actions he did, but that doesn't make his actions right.

Meeting the President of the United States - regardless of who holds the position - is an extraordinary privilege.

Thomas should have realised that and put his own personal opinions behind out of respect for what the meeting represents.