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PITTSBURGH — The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins say they’ve accepted an invitation from Donald Trump to visit the White House, while players, coaches and owners in the NFL and NBA have been involved in an escalating war of words with the U.S. president.

The Penguins released a statement Sunday saying they respect the office of the president and “the long tradition of championship teams visiting the White House.” The Penguins were honoured by Barack Obama after winning the Stanley Cup in 2016 and previously by George H.W. Bush in the early 1990s.

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“Any agreement or disagreement with a president’s politics, policies or agenda can be expressed in other ways. However, we very much respect the rights of other individuals and groups to express themselves as they see fit,” the team said.

“Please to inform that the Champion Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL will be joining me at the White House for Ceremony. Great team!” Trump posted on Twitter on Sunday.