San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer will not participate in pregame warmups Saturday night time, saying the workforce’s determination to put on Satisfaction-themed jerseys in help of the LGBTQ neighborhood runs counter to his non secular beliefs.
Reimer stated in a press release Saturday that he made the choice primarily based on his Christian beliefs, including that he “all the time strived to deal with everybody with respect” and that members of the LGBTQ neighborhood ought to be welcome in hockey.
“On this particular occasion, I’m selecting to not endorse one thing that’s counter to my private convictions, that are primarily based on the Bible, the best authority in life,” Reimer stated.
Reimer is the second NHL participant this season to refuse to participate in warmups with Satisfaction-themed jerseys, with Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov declining to in January. Reimer was not slated to begin in Saturday night time’s dwelling recreation towards the New York Islanders, which is Satisfaction night time.
Moreover, the New York Rangers opted to not put on Satisfaction jerseys or use Satisfaction stick tape as a part of their night time in January regardless of beforehand promoting that plan.
The Sharks stated in a press release that they’re proud to host Satisfaction Night time, saying the occasion reinforces the workforce’s dedication to inclusiveness.
“As we promote these requirements, we additionally acknowledge and settle for the rights of people to specific themselves, together with how or whether or not they select to specific their beliefs, whatever the trigger or subject,” the workforce stated in a press release. “As a corporation, we won’t waver in our help of the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood and proceed to encourage others to interact in energetic allyship.”
The You Can Play Mission, which works to advertise inclusiveness in sports activities, stated the group was disenchanted in Reimer’s actions.
“Faith and respect will not be in battle with one another, and we’re definitely disenchanted when faith is used as a cause to not help our neighborhood,” the group stated. “Carrying satisfaction jerseys, like all celebration jersey worn, will not be concerning the private emotions of an athlete; fairly the communication from the workforce {that a} neighborhood is welcome within the area and the game.”
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