ATHENS, Ga. — The Georgia national championship football team declined an invitation to visit the White House.
According to a statement released by the Georgia athletic association on Tuesday, the Bulldogs will not be able to attend the 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 interferes with the suggested date 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 statement said. “Unfortunately, the suggested date is not feasible given the student-athlete calendar and the time of year. However, we appreciate the invitation and look forward to other opportunities for Georgia teams to move forward.»
Georgia did not provide further details about 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 visit the White House on May 26.
Coach Kirby Smart and quarterback Stetson Bennett led Georgia to its second straight national championship with a 65-7 runaway beat TCU.