Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirms he will skip White House trip

The Boston Red Sox are getting ready for their trip to the White House on Thursday to be recognized for winning the 2018 World Series, and they will be traveling to the nation’s capital without their manager.

Alex Cora had said previously that he was unsure if he would join the Red Sox in Washington, D.C., because he is unhappy with Donald Trump’s handling of the recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria in Cora’s home nation of Puerto Rico, and the manager confirmed on Sunday that he will be staying home.

“Puerto Rico is very important to me. During the winter I spent a lot of time at home visiting family and friends. Unfortunately, we are still struggling. Some are absent from basic needs, others without electricity, and many houses and schools are still in poor condition, a year and a half after Hurricane Maria,” Cora told El Nuevo Dia in a statement, according to a translation from Google.

Cora emphasized that his decision was personal and does not reflect the beliefs or opinions of any other member of the Red Sox organization.

“Although the government of the United States has helped, there is still a long way to go, that is OUR reality,” Cora wrote. “I have continually used my voice so that we Puerto Ricans are not forgotten and my absence is not different. Therefore, at this moment, I do not feel comfortable celebrating in the White House.”

Several Red Sox players have also announced they will skip the White House trip, including Mookie Betts, David Price, Rafael Devers, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Christian Vazquez, who is also from Puerto Rico. Price offered a very vague reason for why he will not attend.

Athletes opting to pass on visiting the White House after winning championships is something that has been happening since Trump took office, and it will likely continue for as long as he remains president.