B's owner Jacobs throws support behind Thomas

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OTTAWAThe only country that hadnt been heard from on the Tim ThomasWhite House situation was the most important one when it comes to all the comings and going of the Boston Bruins, and now hes been heard from as well. Bruins principal owner Jeremy Jacobs stopped for a few moments to speak with reporters after the NHL Board of Governors Meetings at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, and threw his full weight behind his star goaltender.

There was some uneasiness and disappointment in Thomas decision in the immediate aftermath of his decision to skip the White House ceremony with President Barack Obama due to the goalies political beliefs. Jacobs seemed fully over it nearly a week later, and toed the same party line as just about everyone else in the Bruins organization: as long as Thomas is stopping pucks better than any other player on the planet his personal politics wont be an issue.

Tim is a great hockey player. Hes done his job very well for us and Im totally behind him as a great hockey player, said Jacobs. I dont necessarily agree with his political view, but that isnt what he does for me. Ive got to say this: while I dont agree with it he certainly has the right to express himself as every American does. He does a good job.

The NHLs Chairman of the Board of Governors was further asked if Thomas absence cast any sort of pall over a day celebrating the collective team accomplishment, and unflinchingly rejected that notion as well.

You guys in the media say things to me that I dont like. But I definitely believe you have the right to say them, said Jacobs. I fight for that and I fight for his right to do what he wants to do. He expressed it. Thats all. Its over unless you guys in the media want to perpetuate it.

It didnt sound anything like the actions of an irate owner ready to ship away their goaltender in a fit of pique, or somebody in a place of power attempting to grease the skids for a player on the way out. Instead Jacobs was standing behind the player who is perhaps singlehandedly responsible for bringing the Stanley Cup back to Boston, and in doing so probably won himself even a few more supporters back in Black and Gold country.

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