'Facebooking' Thomas Distracting Bruins

The Boston Bruins looked like they would be the odds-on favorite to defend their hard-earned Stanley Cup championship through the end of December.

At that point of the season, they were the highest scoring team in the league and had allowed the fewest goals. Head coach Claude Julien was leading a juggernaut of a team. He had the best defenseman in Zdeno Chara, the best goaltender in Tim Thomas and explosive talent and depth on the offensive end.

But in January, Bruins fans were put on notice that the run to a second Stanley Cup was not going to come easily -- and may not come at all. This team that had come together so memorably while winning three 7-game series during last year's championship drive began to learn about distractions.

Tim Thomas decided he was not going to show up at the White House when the team was invited there by President Barack Obama. Thomas explained his decision on his Facebook page, explaining that he was tired of big government impacting citizens.

Immediate reaction showed the public divided, with some supporting Thomas's "independence," while others criticized his decision because it took the focus off the team.

After that distraction, Thomas is at it again. He has used his Facebook page to announce his opposition to Obama's directive that insurance plans provide women with free access to contraceptives. His Facebook page said, "I stand with the Catholics in the fight for religious freedom."

Tim Thomas, what are you doing? By making yourself a spokesman for conservative and anti-Obama causes, you are throwing the focus on your political beliefs and off of your team.

You need to concentrate on stopping the puck and winning another Stanley Cup. Nobody is denying that you have a right to express your opinions as an American citizen, but you are doing it at the expense of your team. Julien and your teammates are saying that there is no distraction, but they are just trying to keep the situation from getting worse. You are causing a division. People are talking about your political beliefs and not the way you are playing.

What is this all about? Are you really so interested in politics or do you want to force a trade?

That topic has to be on the table behind closed doors. GM Peter Chiarelli and team president Cam Neely have seen you win two Vezina Trophies and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the Stanley Cup playoffs. They don't want to trade you. But if you continue to cause a distraction in the lockerroom and that distraction turns into a division, they won't have a choice.

Put your mind back on playing goal for the Bruins and try to get the team back on track before it's too late.

References:
Boston.com: Thomas won't elaborate on Facebook posting
http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2012/02/10/bruins_goalie_tim_thomas_refuses_to_elaborate_on_facebook_posting/

Pro Hockey Reference -- Tim Thomas
http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/thomati01.html