Red Sox Manager Announces He Won't Attend White House Because There's 'Still a Long Way To Go'

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora will not attend the ceremony at the White House on Thursday honoring the 2018 World Series champions.

Cora cited the Trump administration’s response to Hurricane Maria in his native Puerto Rico as the reason for his decision.

“The government has done some things back home that are great, but we still have a long ways to go,” he said Sunday following Boston’s 9-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.

“That’s our reality,” he said. “It’s pretty tough to go celebrate when we’re where we’re at.

“I’d rather not go and be consistent with everything.”

TRENDING: Boy Dies After Fainting in School Lunch Line Weeks After Mom Allegedly Slashed His Throat

Cora recently said he might attend the ceremony and say something, but had a change of heart after speaking with family and friends.

“We talked about it and decided (not going) was the best way to do it,” he said.

Cora said he informed the Red Sox of his decision a few days ago.

Boston plays at Baltimore Monday through Wednesday and has a day off on Thursday.

Shortstop Xander Bogaerts also said Sunday he won’t visit the White House.

Meanwhile, at least one Red Sox player made it clear he was very excited to make the trip and meet President Donald Trump.

Reliever Heath Hembree, asked about the White House visit in October, said, “Hell yeah! I f— with Trump!”

In case you didn’t know, that’s a modern idiom for “really like,” showing the depth of Hembree’s enthusiasm.

As you might expect, reaction to Cora’s announcement was mixed.

RELATED: Columbia University Athletes Tried To Give Trump Letter Accusing Him of Silencing Women and Minorities

Real loser move. You all play a game for a living, and it’s an honor to be invited, whatever you think of the sitting president. Truly ungrateful. The president isn’t God…he can’t solve every single problem. Way to abuse the occasion to make a pointless political statement.

— Patrick Spadaccino (@RabidSawxFan) May 5, 2019

Great choice 👍✌#Alex

— PatriotsGirl 🏈🎶🏖🌞✨☮💃💋 (@ChrisGem65) May 6, 2019

What better reason to go to talk to him about it…..#smh don’t complain when you don’t try to fix the problem….

— Punisher Jeep Guy (@Bearded_RN) May 6, 2019

BRAVO!!!! I wish the whole team refused to go.

— Liz Washington (@LizW62459731) May 6, 2019

Shame on him. It is a privilege to be invited to the White House. Regardless of the situation. It is the White House, come on now!

— Scott Hannan (@ScottHannan72) May 6, 2019

The Red Sox (17-18) are third in the AL East behind the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.