Storm to visit White House, celebrate WNBA title


The Seattle Storm are heading to the White House to celebrate their 2020 WNBA championship.

The team was formally invited by President Joe Biden to visit Monday afternoon. The Storm play at the Washington Mystics on Sunday.

“I think for a very long time, up until 2016, going to the White House was an honor. It wasn’t necessarily political. It was to meet the president of the United States. The person who holds that office acknowledging your team’s success,” said Seattle guard Sue Bird, who will be making her third trip to meet a president. “It was an incredible honor. Even when you watch a movie like ‘Forrest Gump,’ I’m dating myself a little bit, you understand in that movie what an incredible honor it was. It wasn’t political. I think that all shifted in 2016.”

With Donald Trump out of office, Bird said she was happy to be going back. Many WNBA players, including Bird, have been outspoken in their embrace of social justice movements such as Black Lives Matter, which Trump characterized as violent, radical ideology. Trump was also critical of Bird’s fiancée, U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe.

“Now that it’s back in a place where it’s considered an honor and you’re recognized by the highest office in the country is exciting, it’s fun,” Bird said. “It’s not just about meeting the president or hopefully the vice president is there. It’s about the whole experience of being in the White House. Having a day that’s about your team and celebrating what you’ve accomplished.”

In addition to her two previous White House visits, Bird has been invited three other times after winning championships — once with UConn and twice with the Storm — but couldn’t attend.

The Storm, who have won four titles, will be joined by the team’s ownership group and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. The team last visited the White House in 2011.

No NBA or WNBA team has visited the White House since the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, Barack Obama’s last year in office.

Got a story or tip for us? Email Sports Gossip editors at tips@sportsgossip.com 

Want More From Sports Gossip? 

For all the latest breaking Sports Gossip, be sure to follow SportsGossip.com on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

You can view the original article HERE.

Porn Star Emily Willis Improving After Cardiac Arrest, But Far From Rebounding
Michigan Politician Swears Gonzaga Hoops Team Buses Are Full Of ‘Illegal Invaders’
Kanye West Avoided Diddy Meetup During Rolling Loud Performance
Marvel’s Blade Delayed Amid Writers Strike
Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 Review
Sydney Sweeney Swaps Madame Web’s Spider-Woman For Power Girl in DC Fan Art
Giancarlo Esposito Can’t Keep Overcrowded, Rushed Parish on the Road | TV/Streaming
Femme Review | An Edge-of-Your-Seat Queering of the Neo-Noir Crime Thriller
Will Batman be in The Penguin TV series?
Fake and laced benzos are circulating in the UK – causing a “fentanyl-style epidemic”
Lzzy Hale to front Skid Row for upcoming tour
Cillian Murphy reveals he’s gone vegan
Draymond ejected early in 1st quarter vs. Magic
Panthers sign Clowney to reported 2-year deal
Ham thrilled as Lakers rally for ‘top-3’ win of year
Report: Cowboys haven’t made Dak extension offers
Grey’s Anatomy Season 20 Episode 3 Review: Walk on the Ocean
One Euphoria Actor Doubts Season 3 Will Ever Be Made
Chicago PD Season 11 Episode 8 Review: On Paper
Malcolm in the Middle Revival Now the ‘Closest It’s Ever Been,’ Frankie Muniz Reveals
Karlie Kloss Relaunches ‘Life’ Magazine, i-D’s New Layoffs, and More!
Jenna Lyons, Jessel Taank, and More Announce Return!
Swarovski’s Underwater Glamazons, Megahn Markle’s Beauty Line, & More!
Cher’s Closet From Clueless Is Becoming A Reality, Thanks To Vêtir