The Lynx celebrated their fourth WNBA title in seven years with a parade down University Avenue. Friday morning, the team was scheduled to have breakfast with Gov. Mark Dayton.
So what if the Lynx once again get invited to the White House? In previous title years, a visit has been arranged the next season when the team was in Washington to play the Mystics. It is an issue that, in the sports world, has become somewhat controversial.
When Golden State's Steph Curry said in September that he wouldn't visit the White House because "we don't stand for basically what our president does," President Donald Trump withdrew his invitation.
Should the Lynx as a team decide to go, some might choose to stay behind. Not all Lynx players were asked about a visit on Thursday, but at least one player said she would not attend a recognition.
Forward Rebekkah Brunson said she'd decline the invite.
"I won't go,'' she said.
Other players were more noncommittal. Maya Moore said she hadn't thought about it: "I'm assuming everything will be normal until I hear otherwise.''
Coach Cheryl Reeve said the team will cross that bridge should it be reached. "I think the first step is to be invited, and go from there,'' she said. "There are a number of factors that go into that. Timing. Is it something we want to do because of where the visit is placed in our schedule? It wouldn't be any different than a normal year.''
The team has celebrated at the White House in the past with President Barack Obama.
Any decision this time, Reeve said, would be done after consulting with the team.
Kent Youngblood
