Tennis legend Billie Jean King has spoken out about a controversial moment involving the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team after they were heard laughing during President Donald Trump’s joke targeting the women’s team, who also claimed Olympic gold.
The incident occurred during a Sunday phone conversation where Trump congratulated the men’s squad on their overtime win against Canada at the Milano Cortina Olympics. Trump extended invitations to the State of the Union address and White House, then made a comment about the women’s team.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that?” Trump said, before joking that failing to invite the women would likely result in his impeachment.
The sound of multiple players laughing triggered swift criticism across social media platforms.
King, who has championed social equality throughout her career, took to social media to address the situation, stressing that true leadership and character are revealed in private moments, not just public appearances.
“When athletes play for their nation, they are competing for something bigger than themselves,” wrote King, who captured 39 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles and mixed doubles competitions. “The gold medal wins by both the USA women’s and men’s hockey teams are equally important and historic.”
The tennis icon referenced her extensive athletic background while acknowledging the excitement that follows major victories.
“I’ve also spent a lot of time in locker rooms throughout my playing days, and I fully understand the range of emotions that exist following a big win,” she said. “Even so, hearing members of the USA men’s hockey team laughing at a joke at the expense of the women’s hockey team was uncomfortable.”
King encouraged the public to concentrate on both teams’ extraordinary accomplishments and the need for athletes to stand together across gender lines.
“Let’s not lose sight of what a monumental moment this is for hockey, women’s sports and our country,” King wrote. “And let’s make sure that men and women support each other.”
The women’s hockey team turned down the State of the Union invitation for Tuesday’s address, explaining they had scheduling conflicts and previous obligations while thanking officials for acknowledging their success.
Several male team members have since described the locker room moment as regrettable, with team captain Auston Matthews stating they admire the women’s team and maintain “nothing but love and respect” for them and their accomplishments.
