San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer boycotted pregame warmups on Saturday evening, pronouncing the staff’s resolution to put on Pride-themed jerseys in strengthen of the LGBTQ group runs counter to his spiritual ideals.
Reimer stated in a remark on Saturday that he made the verdict in response to his Christian ideals, including that he “always strived to treat everyone with respect” and that contributors of the LGBTQ group will have to be welcome in hockey.
Reimer didn’t play within the Sharks’ house recreation towards the New York Islanders on Saturday, which used to be the staff’s Pride evening.
“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 daily life. I have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, who died on a cross for my sins and, in response, asks me to love everyone and to 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,” Reimer said.
“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.”
Reimer is the second NHL player this season to refuse to take part in warmups with Pride-themed jerseys, with Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov declining to do so in January.
Additionally, the New York Rangers opted not to wear Pride jerseys or use Pride stick tape as part of their nights in January despite previously advertising that plan.
The Sharks said in a statement that they are proud to host Pride Night, saying the event reinforces the team’s commitment to inclusiveness.
“As we endorse those requirements, we additionally recognize and settle for the rights of people to specific themselves, together with how or whether or not they select to specific their ideals, without reference to the motive or subject,” the team said in a statement. “As an organization, we will not waver in our support of the LGBTQIA+ community and continue to encourage others to engage in active allyship.”
The You Can Play Project, which works to promote inclusiveness in sports, said the organization was disappointed in Reimer’s actions.
“Religion and respect are not in conflict with each other, and we are certainly disappointed when religion is used as a reason not to support our community,” the organization said. “Wearing pride jerseys, like any celebration jersey worn, is not about the personal feelings of an athlete; rather the communication from the team that a community is welcome in the arena and the sport.”
Reimer is because of develop into a loose agent this summer season and stated that his resolution Saturday may just have an effect on his long run within the NHL.
“I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t something that crossed my mind honestly,” Reimer stated on Saturday. “I’m positive there may be other folks in control or possession that would possibly not glance favorably in this. At the similar time, I’m hoping that there is any other handful of other folks in control or possession that appreciate me for status up for what I imagine in and that is the reason a large a part of who I’m.”