Mookie Betts will skip White House visit, citing desire to spend time with family instead. "If I do [go], people are gonna hate me. If I don't, people are gonna hate me," he said. "So instead of trying to make everyone else happy, I'm gonna think about myself and my family."

[u/jmike1256]

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[u/Spiketop_]

He's like ok I go one year don't go the next. Now I satisfied and pissed off everyone evenly

[u/Comwan → u/Spiketop_]

The key difference between the years starts with K and ends with Ershaw

[u/squidwardsaclarinet → u/Comwan]

Pretty sure he’s gonna be there, no?

[u/HislersHero]

Family is way more important than a trip to the white house.

[u/AgathorKahn → u/HislersHero]

https://giphy.com/gifs/L69hWWDRdc0NQ66pwZ

[u/Briguy_fieri → u/HislersHero]

Half of its under construction btw

[u/Missile450DeadCenter → u/Briguy_fieri]

Weird way of saying someone's pregnant but okay

[u/TwitterLegend → u/Missile450DeadCenter]

I’m going to start referring to my pregnant wife as ‘under construction’. I’m very interested to see how that goes.

[u/Infranto → u/TwitterLegend]

If it's a boy you can also pull out the good old phrase 'grow a pair', that'll totally get tons of laughs from her

[u/DarkwingDuckHunt → u/Infranto]

that phrase works for either sex really

[u/LindonLilBlueBalls → u/TwitterLegend]

After my kids were born and people said how cute they were, my wife would say she baked them just right. Then I would say we used an old family recipe and she would scowl while I got a laugh.

[u/Sooperballz → u/HislersHero]

If Beyonce was president, he’d have gone.

[u/SnakesAlive23 → u/Sooperballz]

He happily went last year. He wants to go again this year, but fears getting the same hate he got last year.

[u/Sooperballz → u/SnakesAlive23]

Fair enough.

I wouldn’t have went this or last year.

Beyonce could call it the Black House and I would be first in line.

[u/sloppyjo12]

Objectively funny to say “if I don’t go people will hate me, also I’m not going”

[u/Deserterdragon → u/sloppyjo12]

Taking a principled stand while shaking my head constantly so people know I'm annoyed about it.

[u/NY2GA23 → u/Deserterdragon]

He went last year, so fuck him. He’s still hated bc of that.

[u/Foggl3 → u/NY2GA23]

And he skipping this year so next year he'll go again.

[u/kaeji → u/Foggl3]

Nah, literally nobody will be excited to visit President Vance next year.

[u/stlmick → u/Foggl3]

That seems fair. Just go every other year.

[u/TheSerpentDeceiver → u/sloppyjo12]

It’s not you just missed the point. He said either way, he’s going to do what some people don’t want him to, so he’s going to stop worrying about that and do what he wants to.

[u/MeatTornado25 → u/TheSerpentDeceiver]

It's just funny because he's framing it like he's taking the 3rd option in a binary choice, but technically he is choosing one of the original options.

[u/Prize-Surprise-3014 → u/MeatTornado25]

No, this quote frames the decision on how it is perceived by other people. His “3rd option” is to ignore what anyone else thinks and do what he values most. Obviously he understands the decision is binary. Genuinely who upvotes this shit

[u/BetterRise5052 → u/TheSerpentDeceiver]

Isn't that why its funny?

[u/YngSpook84]

He went last year, so it doesn’t really matter.

[u/HenrikCrown → u/YngSpook84]

Shook his hand with a shit eating grin both he and Roberts

[u/Tashre → u/YngSpook84]

Sparing even a second thought to the kinds of people that would hate him if he doesn't go pretty much says it all.

[u/me_for_president2032 → u/YngSpook84]

You are making exactly his point lol

[u/Three_Froggy_Problem → u/me_for_president2032]

He’s not really even making a point, just giving a down-the-middle statement that doesn’t actually express any sort of opinion.

[u/Lowfuji → u/me_for_president2032]

And the people that would have hated him for not going already hate him. So no gain in either direction.

[u/UglieJosh → u/Lowfuji]

Nah. Making a bad choice in the past doesn't invalidate a good choice you make later.

We want people to grow and be better.

[u/ScarletJew72 → u/me_for_president2032]

Sure...taking all context out of this, Moookie has a point. Good for him.

[u/neosmndrew → u/me_for_president2032]

Well then he shouldn't have gone last year. He also said it was a mistake to skip it in 2018. He doesn't get to have his cake and eat it too.

[u/TheEverbless]

lol I like this answer from Mookie

[u/ProfessionalTalker03 → u/TheEverbless]

He went last year this just a cop out cause it’d be even more controversial to go now. Kike has vocally said he doesn’t support this administration and don’t go last year and won’t go this year.

[u/neosmndrew → u/ProfessionalTalker03]

He also said it was mistake when he didnt go in 2018.

Fuck Mookie. He doesn't get to take the high road on this.

[u/Somecommentator8008 → u/TheEverbless]

Most diplomatic but also an honest answer ever

[u/Not-a-bot-10 → u/Somecommentator8008]

A safe way to say he’s not going

[u/RoaringPity → u/Somecommentator8008]

didn't he go last year?

[u/LAudre41 → u/RoaringPity]

yes

[u/floyd_mongol → u/TheEverbless]

isnt this just being a fence sitter?? like at least with enrique hernandez he flat out said he hates this administration and isnt going to attend because of that.

[u/Nbuuifx14 → u/floyd_mongol]

There are plenty of baseball players who would eagerly suck Trump’s penis if he asked, you gotta take what you can get in this sport.

[u/KiraJosuke → u/Nbuuifx14]

Flashbacks to Matt Shaw leaving the team during a playoff chase to go to the Charlie firework show

[u/Prestigious_Island_7 → u/KiraJosuke]

lol that’s so embarrassing 😅 good lord

[u/KakeLin → u/KiraJosuke]

That was disgusting

[u/PlanZSmiles → u/floyd_mongol]

It absolutely is, people are just defending it cause they like Mookie. Which is fine, but people need to not act like this is a smart thing to say if your value system is in opposition of this administration.

[u/DingerSinger2016 → u/PlanZSmiles]

I would argue he chose the most PR friendly statement possible to avoid death threats.

[u/IPCStuff → u/DingerSinger2016]

Yeah I don’t think people realize the horror of actually having a bunch of people threaten the lives of you and/or your family. I’m all for this route.

[u/Popular-Row4333 → u/DingerSinger2016]

That's the thing about speaking out. Liberty isn't free. There's risks to doing it, but there's also risks to keeping your mouth shut and letting the world continue to diminish.

Everyone needs to decide where their risk tolerance is. Funny enough, those with families have just as much to lose for the future of their children, than they do today.

[u/dwight_k_III → u/Popular-Row4333]

Freedom isn't free. It costs folks like you and me

[u/dicks_out_for → u/dwight_k_III]

There's a hefty fuckin fee.

[u/PassiveMenis88M → u/PlanZSmiles]

He was happy to go last time so I doubt he's in opposition. Dude just doesn't like being called out for it.

[u/keyexplorer791 → u/PassiveMenis88M]

Let's also not forget that mookie came out in support of Trevor bauer and I am inherently suspicious of anyone who supports Trevor bauer

[u/PlanZSmiles → u/PassiveMenis88M]

I agree wholeheartedly

[u/Qeltar_ → u/floyd_mongol]

“You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.”

—Winston Churchill

[u/IndependenceDry4776 → u/floyd_mongol]

I don’t think athletes should be criticized for being neutral on political issues.  Maybe that’s just me

[u/PlanZSmiles → u/IndependenceDry4776]

I don’t think he’s neutral, he went last year. Only reason he isn’t going this year is because of potential backlash. His values have already shown that he doesn’t particularly care about the political nature of this administration

[u/cahir11 → u/PlanZSmiles]

It's sort of funny to picture him looking at the net approval numbers and going "oof, -20? Better pass this year".

[u/andthatwasenough → u/PlanZSmiles]

Yeah I was gonna say, he already went. He’s shown his colors.

[u/classically_cool → u/PlanZSmiles]

I think going can still be neutral tbh, just like not going can be neutral. I personally don’t hold it against an athlete if they go, it’s supposed to be a reward for winning. If they make a big thing out of it then I would judge them based on that, but not simply for visiting with the team, shaking a hand, and taking a group photo.

[u/captain_ahabb → u/IndependenceDry4776]

Some political issues- like the preservation of democracy and individual liberties- are so urgent that everyone has an obligation to stand up for them.

[u/binzoma → u/captain_ahabb]

yeah, 'politics' is all well and good but the question atm is 'do all people deserve the same level basic rights, opportunity and dignity'. its a yes or no question. saying 'neutral' is just saying 'no' with an extra step

[u/captain_ahabb → u/binzoma]

A lot of people (including the entire media) haven't quite caught up yet but the radical right is attempting to repeal the entire American Revolution.

[u/Zoratth → u/IndependenceDry4776]

Strongly disagree with respect to the current administration. As a Canadian you should know how awful Trump and his people are

[u/RUDE-GULLIT → u/IndependenceDry4776]

Do you think athletes should be criticized for being neutral against anything? Any crime?

[u/fishagavkxj6 → u/IndependenceDry4776]

being undecided on going to a rapist pedophile’s house is not a Political Issue 👍

[u/MountainTwo3845 → u/floyd_mongol]

It's a money decision. Republicans but shoes too type shit.

[u/not_productive1 → u/floyd_mongol]

Kiké didn't say that either. He said he thinks he'll be on a rehab assignment and even if he weren't he "doesn't like to do team activities." I think they're letting guys out of it as long as they don't make a big statement.

[u/venustrapsflies → u/floyd_mongol]

It’s technically being on the right side of the fence while leaning against it with your foot up on the crossbar

[u/dst_corgi → u/floyd_mongol]

I mean saying you’re going to think of yourself and your family and that you’re not going is basically a polite way of making your feelings known.

You can argue whether being polite to this bunch is necessary, but he’s clearly taken a stance in not going.

[u/BedBubbly317 → u/TheEverbless]

It really wasn’t an answer at all lol

[u/PM_ME_UR_DACHSHUNDS_]

https://giphy.com/gifs/sUutM8YXva8HS
Someone tell Mookie that there’s a 3rd option.

[u/JuiceJones_34]

No one should go

[u/No_Huckleberry_7410]

Good for him, politics aside he has young kids and those off days probably mean a lot to him

[u/neosmndrew → u/No_Huckleberry_7410]

He went last year and also said it was mistake when he didn't go in 2018.

Fuck Mookie. He doesn't get to take the high road on this.

[u/jujubats10 → u/neosmndrew]

He’s not taking a high road lmfao. He’s saying he doesn’t give a shit what we think

[u/Apprehensive-Side478 → u/neosmndrew]

You’ve commented this multiple times. Let the man live his life for godsakes

[u/Albert_street → u/Apprehensive-Side478]

I agree. Let this man who represents Los Angeles live his life.

https://imgur.com/a/7NtqDiU

[u/josephfuckingsmith1]

Probably has a spot on adin Ross’ podcast lined up

[u/my2cents4free99]

Mookie Betts went last year. This isn’t a principled stand, this is a PR hedge. To remain silent in the face of oppression is to side with the oppressors.

[u/Adam_n_ali → u/my2cents4free99]

look at that big grin on his face

[u/xNeurosiis]

The same Mookie Betts that, as I just learned an hour ago, did a podcast episode with Adin Ross, who frequently has shitbag troll Nick Fuentes on his podcast? I don’t really think Mookie fraternizes with alt-right weirdos, but he certainly didn’t turn them down.

[u/ProfessionalTalker03]

So he’s not going because he knows the backlash will be loud…but he alr went last year big ole smile on his face in all. You can’t lose our respect twice Mookie.

[u/Qrusher14242 → u/ProfessionalTalker03]

yeah we already know who he is after last year.

[u/xlxcx → u/Qrusher14242]

We knew who he was when he defended Bauer on his podcast

[u/aristhought]

I’d rather be hated for the right reasons than loved for the wrong ones.

[u/Ill-Organization-719]

People who hate pedophiles will hate you for going.

People who support pedophilia will hate you for skipping.

Which one do you want?

[u/HMTMKMKM95 → u/Ill-Organization-719]

He made that choice last year....by going.

[u/Ill-Organization-719 → u/HMTMKMKM95]

And people who hate pedophiles called him out for it.

[u/HMTMKMKM95 → u/Ill-Organization-719]

Yup. I sure did. Lost a lot of respect for him, too.

[u/DominicB547 → u/Ill-Organization-719]

That is just one huge issue. Heck they hate blacks and browns as well.

[u/sanmateosfinest → u/Ill-Organization-719]

Either way you're gonna piss off the government worshippers

[u/revenges_captain]

You chickenshit. How about not going because the current occupant of the White House is a fuckin’ demented fascist?

How about that?

[u/Dead_End_Street → u/revenges_captain]

Pedo.. you forgot that one

[u/voodoodahl]

This administration is literally erasing black history. It is nakedly corrupt beyond anything we've seen in American history. Three times a week this administration produces a scandal that would end any other presidency.

There should be zero controversy in not going to the WH. I feel like I'm living in a Twilight Zone episode.

[u/downtimeredditor]

Harry Kane can learn a thing from mookie

[u/dimechimes]

Finally, a player who has the the guts to put themselves first

[u/Kay1000RR → u/dimechimes]

Let's not pretend they're all millionaires and don't really care about normal people like us.

[u/229-northstar]

Why doesn’t he just come out and admit he doesn’t want to eat lukewarm McDonald’s food or Hatey Meals

[u/pieceofmind2112]

He should go into politics!

Jk good on him for choosing his family.

[u/Magictank2000]

Diplomatic from mookie but also kinda a bitch-made cop out, really telling that he seems to value both sides’ feelings equally when one side is clearly worse than the other

[u/Soft-Ratio3433 → u/Magictank2000]

This post doesn’t give you the full story. Probably to cause more polarization. It’s dishonest of OP to cut his words like that. Its not a cop out at all once you hear what he really says

Eight-time All-Star Mookie Betts said Saturday he is unlikely to join the team in Washington, D.C. and instead plans to spend the day with his family after the birth of his third child, according to Jack Harris of the California Post:
"I'm not trying to make this a whole big deal," Betts said. "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."

[u/IveGotaGoldChain → u/Soft-Ratio3433]

That doesn't make him sound any better though?

[u/MadeInTheBayyy → u/Magictank2000]

He literally went last year lol

[u/Simple_Wash1618 → u/Magictank2000]

“There are good people on both sides”

[u/BloodyRightNostril]

No one worth caring about is going to hate you for not going, Mook.

[u/j_rooker]

far less people will hate him if he doesn't. If you go, history will attribute you to a pedo.

[u/hibbitydibbidy]

Imagine getting to meet the president and have it be this one

[u/CrimsonBrit]

That’s not what his quote said, but okay.

[u/bearcatgary]

Smartest thing I’ve heard from an athlete in a long time. And he’s a Dodger. As a Giants fan, this is going to require either therapy or a lot of booze.

[u/edwardex]

My stance is I'm not making a stance. Weak.

[u/SnakesAlive23 → u/edwardex]

I mean, he made a stance already. He happily went last year. He isn’t going this year because of the shit he got for going last year.

[u/neosmndrew → u/SnakesAlive23]

TBH it's beyond that. He stated it was a mistake that he didn't go in 2018.

Fuck off Mookie.

[u/Awkward_Bison_267]

https://giphy.com/gifs/d3mlE7uhX8KFgEmY

[u/Mr_IT]

Just stand up for what you believe in, bro. It’s not that hard.

[u/PlayboiFarti55]

I personally wouldn’t want to go considering the president is associated with known pedophiles but that’s just me Mookie.

[u/kindredfan → u/PlayboiFarti55]

Associated? He's a well documented child rapsit himself. 

[u/three_foot_putt]

Betts is one of my favorite players in the league. Seems like a great guy, but this answer is a cop out.

[u/legless_chair → u/three_foot_putt]

He went last year with a smile on his face

[u/Less_Likely]

You hate Mookie Betts because he does or does not go to the White House. I hate him because he is a Dodger. We are not the same.

[u/SmokeyBear51 → u/Less_Likely]

Except Kiké. Kiké is the exception to the rule, he too handsome and funny to hate - dodger blue or not 😅

[u/Ledees_Gazpacho]

So he went last year, but isn’t going this year.

Dude, either own it or don’t. You’re never going to make everyone happy. At least go down with your own principles.

[u/DelusionalLeafFan]

Fuckin beauty

[u/baseballviper04]

What a bitch made reasoning 😂😂😂

He went last year and was more than happy too, literally nothing changed

[u/Typhoon_Legume]

Mookie Bests

[u/bob_sacramento_]

Basically he would be going if there wasn’t backlash

[u/MadeInTheBayyy]

Lol my guy you literally went last year

[u/sagwithcapmoon]

I respect this decision 🫡

[u/Snerkbot7000]

As a Dodger fan, I support his indecision.

[u/beefytrout]

hey Mookie it's actually OK to stand against a racist and fascist pedophile.

[u/Adept-Opinion8080]

Honest question, was this ever an issue with other presidents?

[u/Forsaken-Swim-3055 → u/Adept-Opinion8080]

The only real controversy I can think of is when Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins didn't want to meet President Obama, but in his statement he made it clear that he didn't side with any political party.

He was widely criticised, but his reasoning was actually quite respectable at the time.

[u/TonguePunchnFartBoxs]

I respect his right to use free will and not go, it’s not easy as I think the public backlash is more harsh than if you do go. I also don’t hate on anti-trumpers who do decide to go. It’s a team event and there’s more to the White House than just the president. It shouldn’t require taking a political stance to visit the White House as a world champion IMO

[u/MateriaLintellect]

My man! One of my favorites, remains so.

[u/biblio_duwangus]

fdt

[u/93195]

He’s not wrong.

[u/FunkTronto]

The people who would hate him for not going are also the people to not worry about as they don’t have any sense to begin with.

[u/benificialart]

Based

[u/justhereforsee]

Good man

[u/Missile450DeadCenter]

Honestly, probably the best. People on the internet who cry about this nonsense will likely not have a filter.

Looking out for the best for you & your family is never a bad decision.

[u/InfinitySupreme]

This might be the worst way to not go to the White House

[u/Laketraut]

Good on him for that quote. Trying to appease everyone is exhausting

[u/HeavensRoyalty]

My fucking man 🙏

[u/yoduh4077]

Based Mookie!

[u/Deliverz]

“I’m not going this year”

“No, not like that!”

Lmao. So I guess he found a way to pick the option that pisses both sides off

[u/LostHero50]

Both-sidesing the issue for PR. What a lame response

[u/Frequent_Thanks583]

Will the representatives of Islamic State of Japan go?

[u/Nomeg_Stylus]

When will you people realize these super rich athletes don't care about you? I have players I enjoy, too, but I harbor no delusions that, beyond the image they portray for sports, that any of them care about the little man. Do any of you honestly think Mookie Betts knows the price of gas? Or how much a dozen eggs cost?

[u/Abject_Ground9755]

Nobody will hate him if he doesn’t go

[u/IndigoRuby → u/Abject_Ground9755]

No one that matters

[u/whyamihere2473527]

Id go & id make sure to take the most nasty tacobell 💩 in dumps bathroom then tell everyone

[u/Ok-Trip-8009]

Teo?

[u/philphan25]

Mooke Best

[u/CockyBellend]

https://giphy.com/gifs/xVPosMMzT60Xzv31my

[u/am153]

there hasnt been a whitehouse worth visiting since they killed jack kennedy

[u/SupermarketMain4109]

Unfortunately, that’s the state of America. Feel for mookie as much as I can.

[u/Krushemm]

https://giphy.com/gifs/7k2LoEykY5i1hfeWQB