US Hockey Star Laila Edwards Appears to Criticise Male Counterparts Over Trump Joke Reaction
History-making US hockey star Laila Edwards has appeared to take a significant shot at her male counterparts following their reaction to a controversial joke made by former President Donald Trump. The incident occurred during a celebratory phone call after both American hockey teams secured dramatic overtime victories against rivals Canada at the Winter Olympics in Milan.
Controversial Comments Spark Immediate Backlash
Following the men's team securing their first gold medal in forty-six years, Donald Trump personally telephoned the victorious squad to extend congratulations. During this conversation, which was subsequently leaked from inside the locker room environment, Trump informed the players they would be invited to both the White House and his upcoming State of the Union address scheduled for Tuesday.
The former president then added a particularly contentious remark, stating: 'I must tell you, we are going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that. I do believe I would probably be impeached if I didn't invite them.' This comment prompted immediate laughter from the players assembled under coach Mike Sullivan, who promptly accepted the presidential invitation without hesitation.
Women's Team Declines Presidential Invitation
Although an official invitation was subsequently extended to the women's hockey team as well, the Olympic champions formally declined the offer. A spokesperson for USA Hockey explained the decision was based on 'the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments' that conflicted with the proposed visit.
The organisation expressed sincere gratitude for the recognition of their extraordinary achievement while emphasising the team felt honoured to be included in the invitation. However, both Trump's original comment and the enthusiastic reaction from the male players generated substantial criticism from various observers and commentators across the sporting and political spectrum.
Edwards' Subtle Social Media Response
Laila Edwards, who made history as the first Black female hockey player to represent the United States at Olympic level, appeared to express her disapproval through social media channels. The twenty-one-year-old athlete liked an Instagram post featuring a quotation attributed to comedian Tina Fey that read: 'You can tell how smart people are by what they laugh at.'
The post carried an additional caption stating simply: 'Anyway, women >>>' which many interpreted as a pointed commentary on the situation. This subtle digital gesture suggested Edwards was unimpressed with both the presidential joke and her male counterparts' reaction to the comment made at the women's team's expense.
Male Team Defends Relationship With Women's Squad
In response to the growing controversy, men's hockey hero Jack Hughes publicly defended his team's relationship with their female counterparts on Monday. Hughes insisted the squads remain 'so tight' and emphasised the mutual respect between both groups of athletes.
'Everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them, how proud we are of them and we know the same way we feel about them, they feel about us,' Hughes stated during his media appearance. This declaration aimed to counter suggestions of division or disrespect between the two gold medal-winning teams following the controversial incident.
Alternative Celebrations and Family Support
Meanwhile, Edwards and her teammates are reportedly planning alternative celebrations in Las Vegas with rap icon Flavor Flav, who publicly offered to host the women's team following their decision to decline the White House invitation. The musician, whose real name is William Jonathan Drayton Jr., promised dinners, shows, and good times to properly honour their Olympic achievement.
Edwards' own Olympic journey was supported by a remarkable community effort, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over sixty thousand dollars to enable ten family members and four friends to travel from the United States to watch her compete. The largest contribution came from NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, fellow Cleveland Heights, Ohio natives who donated ten thousand dollars to support Edwards' historic participation.
The fundraising success allowed Edwards' ninety-one-year-old grandmother Ernestine Gray and other relatives to witness her make Olympic history firsthand, creating a memorable family moment alongside her gold medal achievement.
