NHL Former PK Subban On Pride Jerseys: "We Cannot Push Everyone To Be An Activist"
This text is about how people can support the LGBTQ community in different ways.
PK Subban, a legendary NHL defenseman and veteran of the league, has spoken out against the league's attempts to force its players to wear Pride Night jerseys after many well-known players declined to do so during games.
According to reports, he called the "push" a "movement" that would make everyone "activists".
Fox News
The report stated that he did not think that a football player "needs" to be an activist and that there are "other ways to show your support without wearing a hat or T-shirt."
He brought up the point that, while many people are supportive of the LGBTQ community and support it in their own way, they shouldn't be forced to speak out on social issues because they play sport.
Subban said: "We can't force everyone to become an activist. We need to be careful." I think people choose what they talk about, and I dislike it when we make athletes activists.
They don't have to be activists. "I'm not saying that it is right or incorrect to wear the Pride jersey. We just have to be careful about how we push our players to do certain things," he added.
He added, "You don't have to wear a T-shirt, a jersey or a hat in order to show your support for the LGBTQ community."
The report mentions that among other players, Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov and San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer, as well as NHL veterans Eric and Marc Staal, have declined to wear pride jerseys for religious reasons.
Gary Bettman, Commissioner of the NHL, said: "This is the very first time that we have experienced this. I think that it will be something we evaluate in the offseason."
Rick Tocchet, the Canucks' coach, said about a player who opted out of the game due to concerns over Russia's repercussions recently: "I won't get into it since we don't have any idea what happens there." So I respect his choice."
Subban concluded, "Those who write articles, those who push narratives through the media must be held accountable." We must be very, extremely careful in how we interpret a particular moment.