Barack Obama still proud of what Jackie Robinson West accomplished
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said President Barack Obama is still proud of the way Jackie Robinson West "represented their city" and the country at the Little League World Series, even after the team agreed to vacate its U.S. title after knowingly violating residency rules.
Earnest spoke on Obama's behalf to the Chicago Sun-Times.
"The fact is, is some dirty dealing by adults does not take anything away from the accomplishments of those young men," Earnest said.
Earnest said the players should be "proud of what they accomplished" and the commitment and practice they put into it.
Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a statement on Wednesday that said the city still considers Jackie Robinson West champions and that the team "brought our entire city together and reminded all Chicagoans how important it is to support our children."
Jackie Robinson West visited Obama and his wife, Michelle, at the White House in November.
- Molly Geary
