Despite playing in a city known for its patriotism, Boston Bruins’ Goalie Tim Thomas has little respect for his country.

 Before the All-Star Break, Thomas refused to attend a White House ceremony honoring his team’s Stanley Cup title run last summer.

 In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Thomas explained his decision to not join other members of the Bruins at the White House.

 “I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People,” he wrote. “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.”

 Thomas continued to explain his argument by noting he was just in exercising his right to free speech.

“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,” he said. “This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.”

Thomas’ decision to spurn the White House celebration was selfish regardless of his political affiliation. He is one of two Americans on the Bruins roster.

It’s little wonder hockey isn’t popular in the U.S.

When the best American player refuses recognition from the country’s Commander-in-chief, public support is sure to dwindle. As the NHL Finals MVP and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Thomas had an obligation as a citizen and teammate to attend the ceremony.

His view of the federal government isn’t surprising considering his well-documented affiliation with the controversial Tea Party movement. Perhaps he felt too much of his $6 million salary last season was taken by federal income taxes. I guess living in a country that pays athletes millions of dollars for stopping a little black puck doesn’t sit well with the Flint, Mich. native.

By citing the nation’s Founding Fathers in his statement, Thomas came across as another ignorant celebrity attempting to make waves in the political arena. I’m no Antonin Scalia, but I am aware that the Supreme Court is in place to determine what the Founding Fathers meant when they wrote the U.S. Constitution.

It is no surprise Bruins teammates took issue with Thomas’s actions and statements. There were reports out of Boston that members of the organization were upset that Thomas snubbed reporters. He blamed the media in a recent interview for escalating the controversy.

Instead of sidestepping questions and hiding behind his Facebook account, Thomas should have stepped forward and held a short press conference explaining his decision.

After all, boycotting is an acceptable form of political protest in this country — no matter how idiotic the reasoning might be.