The main reason tommy might use static stretching is

to relax his entire body
to prepare his muscles for sports
to increase his long term flexibility
to slow his body down after exercise

I do hope the main reason why Tommy might use static stretching coincides with common purpose of stretching! And actually static stretching is usually used before workout in order to warm body up, which means tha answer is  : to prepare his muscles for sports. Hope it helps!

Think it's rice because in many countries rice is the main food so it can be traditionally served all at once.