The University of Virginia men’s basketball team has said it won’t celebrate its national championship win at the White House with President Donald Trump. The Cavaliers’ head coach Tony Bennett said his side “would have to respectfully decline an invitation,” in a statement shared to Twitter on Friday.

"We have received inquiries about a visit to the White House. With several players either pursuing pro opportunities or moving on from UVA, it would be difficult, if not impossible to get everyone back together. We would have to respectfully decline an invitation.” - Tony Bennett — Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) April 26, 2019

Bennett claimed the decision taken by the Cavaliers, who ran out 85-77 winners against Texas Tech Red Raiders on Apr. 9, was down to logistics. “We have received inquiries about a visit to the White House,” he said. “With several players either pursuing pro opportunities or moving on from UVA, it would be difficult, if not impossible to get everyone back together.” But celebrating national sports wins at the White House has become a contentious issue during the Trump administration, with some professional and college players and sides opting out in protest of the government’s policies. Trump withdrew an invitation to the Golden State Warriors following its 2017 NBA championship win after star point guard Stephen Curry explained why he didn’t want his teammates celebrating with the president.

Stephen Curry doesn't hold back on whether he'll vote to visit White House. pic.twitter.com/n2PBAtYQdA — Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 22, 2017