Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts just wants to be a baseball player, not a political figure or a political vehicle for people to push their agendas.Betts, 33, visited the White House after the Dodgers won the World Series in 2024, but will not be going this year.The four-time World Series champion said he just had a baby and wanted to spend time with his family, and insisted the decision was not politically motivated.The American League MVP winner questioned why athletes are viewed as political figures in today’s day and age.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMLos Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts looks on in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif.
(Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images)"I don't know why the world sees athletes as these political figures or these people that can make change or these people that can do this, that, and the other.We go out and play our sport," Betts told Fox News Digital in a recent interview."I'm sure there are some guys in there that that love politics and want to be in it, but I'm not sure why the world sees us that way.
But it kind of is what it is."The eight-time All-Star said athletes are in a tough position when it comes to visiting the White House because someone is guaranteed to be upset with the decision."Athletes, we’re in positions where, you know, especially myself, where I'm kind of damned if I do or damned if I don't," Betts told Fox News Digital in an interview on behalf of LGND, his glove company.ZERO BS.JUST DAKICH.
TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD.DOWNLOAD NOW!President Donald Trump and Mookie Betts shake hands in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Trump is hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers to celebrate their 2024 World Series victory.(Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)Knowing that backlash will come regardless of his decision, Betts decided to do what was best for him and his family."So instead of t...