The U.S. women’s soccer team has been making headlines lately as they gear up for the Women’s World Cup. Team co-captain, Mia Johnson, recently made waves when asked about celebrating a potential victory at the White House. Her response? A firm “no thank you.”
Mia expressed skepticism about even receiving an invitation, saying, “I’m not going to the White House,” when questioned about the prospect of a visit. “I highly doubt we’ll be invited.”
This isn’t the first time Mia has taken a stand on political matters. For three years, she has been an advocate for social change, famously kneeling during the national anthem to protest inequality. In a previous interview, she critiqued the current administration’s approach to honoring athletes. “The President seems to shy away from inviting teams that might refuse,” she noted. “When the Warriors declined his invitation, he claimed they hadn’t been invited at all.”
Mia’s sentiments echo the feelings of many athletes. For instance, when the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018, numerous players expressed their intent to skip the customary White House visit, leading to the President disinviting them altogether. Moreover, when the Paralympic team visited post-competition, he commented that their events were “tough to watch,” showcasing his often questionable approach to honoring sports figures.
As an openly gay athlete in a relationship with renowned WNBA player Lisa Greene, Mia’s reluctance is understandable given the administration’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights. It’s no surprise that she isn’t eager to dine on fast food at the White House.
Social media users quickly seized on Mia’s bold declaration. The President, of course, felt compelled to respond, launching into an unrelated rant about criminal justice reform and “black unemployment,” suggesting that Mia should focus on winning before speaking out.
This highlights the tensions between athletes and political figures, especially amidst ongoing issues like the pay disparity between the U.S. Women’s Soccer team and their male counterparts. Given their impressive track record, it’s high time these women, alongside their co-captain, receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
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In summary, Mia Johnson’s bold refusal to visit the White House underscores her commitment to social justice and her skepticism towards the current administration’s treatment of athletes. With ongoing discussions about pay equity and the rights of marginalized groups, her stance resonates with many.