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The University of Georgia football team has declined President Joe Biden's invitation to attend College Athlete Day at the White House on June 12. This comes as a disappointment to many fans who were eager to see the Bulldogs repeat their national championship victory and celebrate their second consecutive title with a visit to the White House.
According to a statement from Georgia's athletic association, the date suggested by the White House was not feasible due to the team's student-athlete calendar and the time of year. This news comes after Georgia's congressional delegation wrote to the White House in January, requesting that the team be honored by the president.
While the Bulldogs will not be visiting the White House, it's worth noting that the Biden istration just resolved a similar controversy involving the women's basketball teams from LSU and Iowa. First Lady Jill Biden initially suggested inviting both teams after LSU beat Iowa in the championship game, but the idea was met with backlash.
LSU player Awa Trasi expressed concern that if her team lost, they would not be invited to the White House, while Iowa player McKenna Warnock criticized the first lady's comments, saying that she should be standing behind the players regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Bulldogs will be celebrated by their fans
In the end, both teams were invited to the White House, with LSU being honored on May 26 and Iowa scheduled for a visit at a later date. LSU coach Nikki Fargas praised the decision, saying that it sends a message of "unity and togetherness."
Despite declining the invitation, Georgia's football team will still be celebrated by their fans for their impressive achievement this season. As LSU's Trasi put it, "We're all champions in our own right, whether we get an invite or not."