ATHENS, Georgia — The Georgia national soccer team declines an invitation to tour the White House.
According to a statement released Tuesday by the Georgia Athletic Association, the Bulldogs will not be able to attend a June 12 event with other college teams at the White House. The event is described by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden as “College Athlete Day”.
Georgia’s statement says the team’s schedule is interfering with the suggested date that was provided in an invitation received earlier this month.
“The University of Georgia first received an invitation on May 3 for the Bulldog football team to visit the White House on June 12,” the athletic association’s statement read. “Unfortunately, the suggested date is not feasible given the student-athlete schedule and time of year. However, we appreciate the invitation and look forward to further opportunities for Georgian teams at the coming.
Georgia did not provide further details on the scheduling conflict.
Some professional championship teams, including the 2021 Atlanta Braves, have made visits to the White House during the Biden administration. This year’s NCAA men’s and women’s championship basketball teams from Connecticut and Louisiana State, respectively, are scheduled to travel to the White House on May 26.
Coach Kirby Smart and quarterback Stetson Bennett led Georgia to its second straight national championship with a blistering 65-7 win over TCU.