Megan Rapinoe Calls Out U.S. Men's Hockey Team: Did They Just Clown Themselves?

Megan Rapinoe didn’t hold back her feelings this week about the U.S. men’s hockey team’s visit with Donald Trump after their Olympic victory. During a podcast episode with her wife Sue Bird, she called the players “clowns,” claiming their meet-up with Trump overshadowed their incredible achievement on the ice. It seems Rapinoe believes that in their moment of glory, the team allowed themselves to be co-opted by a figure she describes as a “clown.”

The controversy ramped up as Rapinoe referenced a cringe-worthy joke Trump made about inviting the U.S. women’s hockey team to prevent himself from being impeached. This wasn’t just an off-hand remark; it highlighted how Trump seemed to lack respect for the women’s achievements while also detracting from the men’s victory lap. Both Rapinoe and Bird expressed disappointment at the men’s team laughing off the joke, suggesting that it shows a lack of unity—especially when celebrating wins together. As this story unfolds, it raises an important question about the lines athletes should draw at political gatherings. Can they celebrate their successes without the added drama?