Eight players for the World Series champion Washington Nationals did not attend the team's visit to the White House Monday, according to the White House's list of expected attendees.
Driving the news: Pitcher Sean Doolittle last week told the Washington Post he would skip the event because of Trump's rhetoric. He joined the growing list of high-profile athletes to decline a White House invitation over the last few years because of political reasons.
- Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals declined after winning the Stanley Cup earlier this year.
- Some members of last year's Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles also didn't attend their team's White House visit.
Washington Nationals players not in attendance:
- Anthony Rendon
- Javy Guerra
- Joe Ross
- Wander Suero
- Wilmer Difo
- Michael Taylor
- Victor Robles
- Sean Doolittle
Worth noting: Javy Guerra told the Washington Post that he did not attend the White House because he's preparing for his wedding this weekend. Other players may have had non-political reasons for skipping the visit.
In photos
First baseman Ryan Zimmerman presents a Nationals jersey to President Trump. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Crowd outside the White House watching Trump greet the Nationals. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
21-year-old outfielder Juan Soto. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
Nationals players (L-R) Juan Soto, Kurt Suzuki, Asdrúbal Cabrera, Max Scherzer and Gerardo Parra do the Baby Shark dance. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Pitcher Stephen Strasburg. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images
