LATEST | NHL Netminder refuses to wear pride night jersey: Official Statement released
According to reports, James Reimer, the San Jose Sharks netminder, has declined to wear the team's special jerseys with a rainbow theme for their game tonight, and will not participate in the pre-game warmups. The jerseys were created as part of the team's Pride Night festivities, which aimed to demonstrate solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Reimer's decision has generated controversy among Sharks fans and supporters of LGBTQ+ rights. Some have criticized him for not wearing the jersey, arguing that it is a simple way to demonstrate support for a marginalized group. Others, however, have defended his right to choose what he wears on the ice and suggested that he may have personal or religious motivations for his decision.
''UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE NHL'S HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE INITIATIVE, THE SAN JOSE SHARKS HAVE CHOSEN TO WEAR JERSEYS IN SUPPORT OF THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY TONIGHT.
FOR ALL 13 YEARS OF MY NHL CAREER, I HAVE BEEN A CHRISTIAN NOT JUST IN TITLE, BUT IN HOW I CHOOSE TO LIVE MY LIFE DAILY. I HAVE A PERSONAL FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST WHO DIED ON THE CROSS FOR MY SINS AND, IN RESPONSE, ASKS ME TO LOVE EVERYONE AND FOLLOW HIM. I HAVE NO HATE IN MY HEART FOR ANYONE, AND I HAVE ALWAYS STRIVED TO TREAT EVERYONE THAT I ENCOUNTER WITH RESPECT AND KINDNESS.
IN THIS SPECIFIC INSTANCE, I AM CHOOSING NOT TO ENDORSE SOMETHING THAT IS COUNTER TO MY PERSONAL CONVICTIONS WHICH ARE BASED ON THE BIBLE, THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY IN MY LIFE.
I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT EVERY PERSON HAS VALUE AND WORTH, AND THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY, LIKE ALL OTHERS, SHOULD BE WELCOMED IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE GAME OF HOCKEY."
JAMES REIMER
FOR ALL 13 YEARS OF MY NHL CAREER, I HAVE BEEN A CHRISTIAN NOT JUST IN TITLE, BUT IN HOW I CHOOSE TO LIVE MY LIFE DAILY. I HAVE A PERSONAL FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST WHO DIED ON THE CROSS FOR MY SINS AND, IN RESPONSE, ASKS ME TO LOVE EVERYONE AND FOLLOW HIM. I HAVE NO HATE IN MY HEART FOR ANYONE, AND I HAVE ALWAYS STRIVED TO TREAT EVERYONE THAT I ENCOUNTER WITH RESPECT AND KINDNESS.
IN THIS SPECIFIC INSTANCE, I AM CHOOSING NOT TO ENDORSE SOMETHING THAT IS COUNTER TO MY PERSONAL CONVICTIONS WHICH ARE BASED ON THE BIBLE, THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY IN MY LIFE.
I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT EVERY PERSON HAS VALUE AND WORTH, AND THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY, LIKE ALL OTHERS, SHOULD BE WELCOMED IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE GAME OF HOCKEY."
JAMES REIMER
Team captain, Logan Couture also gave his thoughts on the subject:
At this point, these types of events have become some sort of joke, and were not really sure if they truly send the right message.
| POLL | ||
Should the NHL stop showcasing these events? | ||
| Yes | 71 | 75.5 % |
| No | 23 | 24.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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