Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley criticized sports fans for their overreactions to President Donald Trump's invitation to the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team to the White House following their overtime victory against Canada on February 22, 2026. Barkley expressed pride in both the men's and women's teams, suggesting both should have been invited without creating a controversy. He lamented that such events are politicized, dividing the country and that the public readily falls for "stupidity" and triggers, urging people not to be "fools." Barkley stated he would attend the White House regardless of the president, respecting the office, and that players not wishing to attend should not face scrutiny.