NCAA Champion Baylor Women Visit White House, but Virginia Men Say No Thanks

Two NCAA basketball champions had invites to visit the White House, and while the University of Virginia men’s team declined, the Baylor women took up President Donald Trump up on his offer on Monday. The group met Trump in the oval office and presented him with the usual swag, a jersey, signed ball and hat.

Trump managed to perform his usual social awkwardness with the women. When coach Kim Mulkey present him with a sleeveless Baylor No. 1 jersey, he had a slightly inappropriate reply.

“I’ll give it to Melania. You know, I love those short sleeves. Such beautiful arms. Great definition,” he said.

Trump did point out Mulkey’s success as the coach of the Texas university and held an impromptu job interview.

“Would you like to work at the White House by any chance?” Trump asked.

Mulkey said: “No.”

Fast Food Served

While the players seemed to be enjoying the visit, Mulkey didn’t seem so thrilled. When the now-traditional fast food fare was splayed across tables in the State Dining Room, Mulkey was surveying the spread and a picture of her was captured with a look of disapproval.

This is the third college team that has been served a combination of McDonalds, Wendy’s, and Burger King, among other fast-food entrees. It began with NCAA football champion Clemson. The team visited the White House in January, and the government was in the midst of a shut down. Trump pulled in the convenience food since the White House kitchen was closed.

Trump, who also served it to FBS football champions North Dakota State, said he believed the meal would be a hit.

“I would think that’s their favorite food,” Trump said.

UVA Politely Decline Invitation

Not all winning squads have been quick to accept the President’s invitation to the White House. The Virginia men’s basketball team, which defeated Texas Tech to win the championship, said they weren’t coming. Coach Terry Bennett said in a statement on Twitter that it would be logistically impossible for everyone to attend.

“We have received inquiries about a visit to the White House,” Bennett wrote.  “With several players either pursuing pro opportunities or moving on from U.V.A., it would be difficult, if not impossible to get everyone back together. We would have to respectfully decline an invitation.”

But players had voiced their displeasure with the president, and De’Andre Hunter tweeted, “No thanks, Trump.”

Some UVA students were outraged at Trump and his apparent sympathetic comments toward white nationalists, who protested at Charlottesville, where the campus is located.

More than 15,000 people signed a petition, organized by a Virginia graduate, urging the team “to skip the White House visit in protest of Trump and his support of white supremacy.”

Professional Teams Protest

The Golden State Warriors have won the NBA Title twice while Trump has been in office, and both times refused to go to the White House. The Philadelphia Eagles also said they were not coming after winning the 2018 Super Bowl, which prompted Trump to disinvite them.

Alex Cora, the manager of the World Series winning Boston Red Sox, might be attending a planned trip next month, but he has been critical of the president’s handling of his hometown Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

“I’ll let you guys know when I decide,” Cora said Monday to reporters. “You guys don’t have to worry about that one. I’ll let you know.”