Jackie Robinson's team should not visit the White House in these times

A Los Angeles Times column argues the Dodgers — Jackie Robinson's team — should decline a customary White House visit because recent federal actions, including deadly law-enforcement operations in Minneapolis and broad immigration sweeps, conflict with Robinson's civil-rights legacy.

The Dodgers, seen as Jackie Robinson's team, may be invited to the White House to mark their recent World Series title. The column connects that possible visit to Jackie Robinson's long record of speaking out on civil rights and dignity. It also notes recent federal actions — killings in Minneapolis and aggressive immigration sweeps — that the author says clash with Robinson's civic principles. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is quoted saying he respects the office and plans to observe tradition rather than make political statements. Key points: - The column frames Jackie Robinson as a civil-rights voice who used baseball as a platform for equality and dignity. - Manager Dave Roberts said he would follow tradition and attend a White House visit, viewing his role as a nonpolitical one. - A BBC review of available video reported no evidence that Alex Pretti was holding a gun or intended to attack federal agents during the Minneapolis incident. - The column describes ongoing immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, including reports of crowded detention conditions and children moved to a facility in Texas. - Team president Stan Kasten said there was no decision yet on a White House visit; the Dodgers are scheduled to play in Washington in early April and will hold Jackie Robinson Day at Dodger Stadium. Summary: The author argues that a White House visit would conflict with the civil-rights legacy associated with Jackie Robinson given recent events and official actions cited in the piece. The Dodgers have not announced a decision, and the team will be in Washington for a road series in the first week of April; further plans are undetermined at this time.