"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," Thomas wrote in a statement that was published on his Facebook account.
"Because I believe this, [Monday] 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."
Later on Monday, Bruins president Cam Neely defended his starting netminder's choice to skip the event.
"Everybody has their own opinions and political beliefs and he chose not to join us," Neely said of Thomas. "We certainly would have liked to have him come and join us, but that's his choice. Obviously it's not a choice that most of the guys, all the guys came except for Tim. That's his decision and his choice."
The Bruins were honored by president Obama for their first Stanley Cup title in 39 years, which they won last June against the Vancouver Canucks in seven games.
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