President Joe Biden welcomes NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks, praises team for achievements on and off
President Joe Biden welcomes NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks, praises team for achievements on and off the court
WASHINGTON -- The Milwaukee Bucks became the first NBA team to visit the White House in almost five years Monday, when they were honored for winning the 2021 NBA title, and said they were excited to restart what had previously been an annual tradition.
It's a tradition that had been placed on hold since the Cleveland Cavaliers were honored at the White House five years ago this Wednesday. That visit came shortly after former president Donald Trump had been elected, but while former president Barack Obama was still in office.
During Trump's tenure in the White House, NBA teams did not make the trip, as he sparred with players over his policies.
Biden also credited the Bucks for their decision last year to engage in a wildcat strike and not play in Game 5 of their first-round series against the Orlando Magic in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, highlighting the racial injustices they saw in Black communities.
"You took a stand for justice and peace in the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and you've gotten people engaged," Biden said.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32585734/president-joe-biden-welcomes-nba-champion-milwaukee-bucks-praises-team-off-court-achievements