[The Fonz]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

It's what people in social psychology call modern 'implicit' prejudice: A form of prejudice that surfaces in more subtle ways when it is deemed safe, socially acceptable and easy to rationalize, presented under a cloud/guise of ambiguity (literally out of a textbook).

Aka statements like: I just don't want it around sports ..but I have nothing against it.

Often justified with statements like "It's okay, some of my closest friends are x race/orientation".

If it's not an issue and anybody can present/associate themselves how they like, as these posters claim, then why can't it have a place in sports?

Sports include people of all backgrounds and orientations.

Originally Posted by jayswin

Something was different here, it was anger towards what was being said.

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

That’s what I found most off-putting about the whole thing. It was very clearly about what was being said.

I assume these are directed toward me, as I was one of the members who clearly didn't care about his personal stance, and didn't want the discussion steered down that road.

I just want to reiterate my thoughts, posted long ago in this very thread, on the NHL's participation in ANYTHING related to that which is not hockey:

Originally Posted by The Fonz

If this is part of a larger decision, specifically, doing away with all themed nights and political stances, and trotting out police officers, emergency workers, veterans, etc - then I'm all for it. Also do away with the national anthems while you're at it. Just play hockey and sell your sport.

If this is singling out Pride though, and not extending to every other support/movement, then it's horrendous and I hope the players choose not to tolerate it.

Originally Posted by The Fonz

I wonder if the players are allowed to use camo stick tape during a military themed night?

They shouldn't be, if the NHL is going to be consistent on not putting players into any potential political spotlight.

If the NHL has a military support night and Kuzmenko (or anyone else) does not wear that themed jersey, I do not care.

I tune into sports to watch athletes play those sports, not to watch any corporate pandering to LGBTQ+, military, emergency workers, indigenous history, religion, etc etc etc. I watch sports for sports-related entertainment & storylines, nothing else.

I guess where I will differ with many is, there is a portion of the audience that believe these NHL corporate shows of support for different causes & movements is sports-related. Some will believe it is the athletes duty. I couldn't disagree more - my opinion is that it has nothing to do with the game.