Bettman: NHL to evaluate Pride nights in offseason after some players refuse to wear jerseys
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the league will evaluate its Pride nights in the offseason after several players have refused to wear Pride-themed jerseys this season.
"This is the first time we've experienced that, and I think it's something that we're going to have to evaluate in the offseason," Bettman told CTV News on Monday in Ottawa.
A handful of players have objected to participating in pre-game warmups that include Pride-themed jerseys in recent weeks, citing their religious beliefs.
Pride nights have been held annually by several NHL teams for years. Bettman said the league has been "aggressive and supportive" in the profile and platforms it's been consistently using for Pride nights.
"This is one issue where players for a variety of reasons may not feel comfortable wearing the uniform as a form of endorsement," he said.
"But I think that's become more of a distraction now, because the substance of what our teams and we have been doing and stand for is really being pushed to the side for what is a handful of players basically have made personal decisions, and you have to respect that as well."
Florida Panthers players Eric and Marc Staal, in town to play the Senators Monday night, refused to wear the jerseys last Thursday night, citing their Christian beliefs.
“We carry no judgement on how people choose to live their lives, and believe that all people should be welcome in all aspects of the game of hockey,” they said in a statement. “Having said that, we feel that by us wearing a Pride jersey, it goes against our Christian beliefs.”
San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer and Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov also pointed to their religions in refusing to wear them.
LGBTQ+ advocates and others have called the players' decisions a step back for hockey as the sport strives to be more inclusive.
On Monday, Buffalo Sabres defenceman Ilya Lyubushkin said he would not participate in the warmup Monday night when the team is scheduled to wear Pride jerseys, citing anti-gay Kremlin law and fears of retribution at home in Russia.
Last Wednesday, the Chicago Blackhawks decided against having their players wear the jerseys for Pride night, citing an anti-gay law in Russia.
The Blackhawks said they acted out of concern that the safety of their Russian player and two others with connections to Russia could be jeopardized by the law when they return home because it expands restrictions on supporting LGBTQ rights.
All NHL teams hold a Pride night, although many do so without themed jerseys. The events are planned by the individual teams, not the league.
Bettman was in Ottawa to take in the Senators game against the Panthers. He also met with Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe and National Capital Commission officials as the sale of the Senators heats up.
- with files from the Associated Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.