The Georgia Bulldogs announced on Tuesday that they would not attend the White House in Washington, D.C. later this year. The reigning National Champions made headlines with the decision and drew reactions, some across GOP lines.
Some Republican leaders spoke out about the Georgia program’s decision not to visit President Joe Biden. Not surprisingly, the leaders who did made sure to let everyone know that they favor the Bulldogs’ decision.
Republican Rep. Mike Collins, who leads the state’s 10th district, said, “I don’t blame them. Go Dawgs!”
I don't blame them. Go Dawgs! https://t.co/IagwwpqbSh
— Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) May 9, 2023
Kelly Loeffler, former Georgia Senator and owner of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, tweeted “Go Dawgs!” to support UGA’s decision.
Go Dawgs! https://t.co/nav6lw9Iir
— Kelly Loeffler (@KLoeffler) May 9, 2023
Meanwhile, Vernon Jones, who formerly served in the Georgia House of Representatives, reacted much more aggressively. Jones said he was happy that the program declined the invite from President Biden.
On Tuesday night, the university issued a statement declining the White House’s invitation for the team. A Georgia spokesman said, per Seth Emerson, “Unfortunately, the date suggested is not feasible given the student-athlete calendar and time of year. However, we are appreciative of the invitation and look forward to other opportunities for Georgia teams moving forward,” they said.
Georgia is not the first team nor the last to decline a White House invitation. But clearly, Republican leaders in the state aren’t bothered by that decision.
[Mike Collins, Kelly Loeffler, Vernon Jones]
