Sharks goaltender James Reimer chose not to wear the Pride jersey
San Jose Sharks Goaltender James Reimer became the last NHLer to refuse to wear a Pride Knight jersey.
netminder 35 years old A statement was issued In association with the Sharks, stating that he would not wear the jersey on Saturdays for religious reasons.
“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,” Reimer said.
“Throughout the 13 years of my NHL career, I’ve 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 He asks me to love and follow everyone.”
“I have no hatred in my heart for anyone, and have always endeavored to treat everyone I encounter with respect and kindness. In this specific case, I am choosing not to endorse something that goes against my personal convictions based on the Bible, which is the highest authority in my life.
“I firmly believe that everyone has worth and value, and the LGBTQIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed into all aspects of hockey.”
Reimer, who also played for maple leavesPanthers and Hurricanes over the course of his career, he is the latest in a growing list of players and teams that have chosen not to wear special uniforms.
Just weeks ago, it was a program Minnesota Wild I decided at the last minute to reverse course To wear their pride shirts in the movement was widely criticized. Wilde’s case came up in the wake of others – the most we can talk about Philadelphia Flyers Defender Ivan Provorov and the New York Rangers – similarly decided to forget the Pride Night tradition.
Speaking to the media after his statement was released, Reimer expanded on his decision.
“It’s just something I saw coming up last year,” he said. “There’s a bunch of bands I’ve started wearing that I’ve just come to terms with in my own belief that they go against what I think the Bible says…
“I get what the message is. I think people are trying to show support for the community and I’m sure people in the community feel marginalized,” Reimer added after he was questioned about what he felt the Pride shirt meant. “So people try to join them in a public way and support them.
“The way I personally interpret the Bible is that you love them, but you can’t support the activity or the lifestyle.”
For their part, the Sharks were firm in their stance, refusing to back down from a show of support despite Reimer’s stance.
Among other initiatives, the Sharks shared that they will be using their Twitter platform during Saturday’s game to “provide information and facts on LGBTQIA+ topics” instead of traditional gameday coverage.
We hope this content serves as a reminder that there are more important issues than goals, highlights, and gains. said the team. “Hockey is not for everyone until everyone feels comfortable playing, working, or being a fan of this great game.”
