Media personality Megyn Kelly recently came to the defense of Team USA hockey captain Auston Matthews after Toronto Star columnist Damien Cox criticized Matthews for visiting the White House following his team’s Olympic gold medal victory. Kelly lambasted Cox’s op-ed on The Megyn Kelly Show, calling it “ridiculous” and pointing out that Cox took issue with Matthews for choosing to attend the White House celebration over immediately returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are in a playoff race.
Cox argued that Matthews prioritized being a captain over being a Canadian by accepting Trump’s invitation to the White House. He also noted that several athletes, including the U.S. women’s hockey team, declined Trump administration invitations, possibly in response to Trump’s controversial comments about them. In response to the backlash, Matthews stated that he is a proud American and prefers not to get involved in politics.
Kelly dismissed Cox’s criticism as misplaced outrage, suggesting that the columnist’s reaction was unwarranted. She emphasized that Matthews has the right to celebrate his country’s historic achievement and should not be judged for his decision to visit the White House. The conservative host’s defense of Matthews comes amid tensions between the U.S. and Canada, with Trump’s controversial comments and tariffs on Canadian goods adding to the strain.
Former NHLer Jay Rosehill and sports commentator Nick Alberga also defended Matthews’ right to celebrate his country’s victory. Matthews, who has been the captain of the Maple Leafs since 2023, has been with the franchise since 2016 and is currently leading the team in their playoff push as the regular season comes to a close.
Overall, Kelly’s defense of Matthews highlights the complexities of balancing patriotism, sportsmanship, and political beliefs in the world of professional sports. The controversy surrounding Matthews’ White House visit serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates and discussions surrounding athletes’ decisions to engage with political figures.
