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Tim Thomas was the only Boston Bruins player from their 2011 Stanley Cup championship team that chose not to attend a White House celebration of their achievement. Cam Neely, the Bruins' team president, cited Thomas's "own opinions and political beliefs" for that absence.

On the official Facebook page for Tim Thomas — his other page is for his hockey camps — the Bruins goalie and playoff MVP clarified his absence from the White House event:

"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.

"This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.

"Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.

"This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT"

Something tells me that with Thomas slated to appear in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game this weekend, this might not be the only public statement he'll make on this controversy. It's overshadowed the Bruins' visit to the White House. It'll likely do the same for Thomas's participation in the midseason classic.

UPDATE: Cam Neely with a statement from the B's:

"As an organization we were honored by President Obama's invitation to the White House. It was a great day and a perfect way to cap our team's achievement from last season. It was a day that none of us will soon forget. We are disappointed that Tim chose not to join us, and his views certainly do not reflect those of the Jacobs family or the Bruins organization. This will be the last public comment from the Bruins organization on this subject."