Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts announced he will not attend the team's July 23 White House visit to celebrate their World Series championship. Betts stated the decision is personal, focused on spending time with his new baby, and not a political statement.
"We just had a baby. You don’t get many days off. They’re coming [on the road trip]. And just want to hang out with the fam. That’s really kind of it. But people are gonna make it a whole bunch of other stuff," Betts told reporters. He added that he anticipates scrutiny regardless of his decision, acknowledging that some will criticize him for attending and others for not.
Betts has previously attended White House celebrations, including after the Dodgers' 2024 World Series win. He suggested that his status as a prominent player, and the public's interest in his personal life, often leads to his actions being drawn into political discussions. "People are gonna try to drag me into politics, just because I am who I am. That’s just the cards I’m dealt," he said.
The timing of the visit, shortly after the All-Star break and before a road trip, has been noted. Betts also mentioned that he had visited the White House in the previous season, suggesting the novelty may have worn off.
Another Dodgers player, Kike Hernandez, also indicated he would likely not attend the visit. Hernandez is currently on a rehab assignment, but he reportedly stated he probably would not have gone even if available, suggesting a potential protest against the Trump administration's immigration policies.
The tradition of athletic teams visiting the White House to celebrate championships has sometimes become a focal point for political debate, particularly when players or teams choose not to attend. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized that receiving such an invitation signifies a championship achievement and that athletes should be recognized for their sporting success rather than drawn into political discourse.