NHL Goaltender releases statement refusing to participate in Pride Night warmups

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Sam Walker
March 18, 2023 (5:57 PM)

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San Jose Sharks goaltender, James Reimer, has reportedly refused to wear the team's special rainbow-themed jerseys for tonight's game and will not participate in warmups. The jerseys were designed as part of the team's Pride Night celebrations and were intended to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Reimers' decision has sparked controversy among Sharks fans and supporters of LGBTQ+ rights. Some have criticized the goaltender for his refusal to wear the jersey, arguing that it is a simple gesture of support for a marginalized community. Others, however, have defended Reimers' right to choose what he wears on the ice and have argued that he may have personal or religious reasons for his decision.

"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.

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 LIFE DAILY. I HAVE A PERSONAL FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST WHO DIED ON THE CROSS FOR MY SINS AND, IN RESPONSE, ASKS ME TO LOVE EVERYONE AND 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.

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."

JAMES REIMER

Logan Couture, the teams captain has also commented on it: