Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
You can dislike politics being brought into talk about athletic accomplishments. I get it.
But this notion that Ovechkin has no choice but to actively support Putin is nonsense. The great majority of Russian athletes and celebrities steer clear of politics, and nothing bad happens to them. Speak out against him? Sure, that’s running a risk. But keeping quiet is a route open to everybody, and the one most athletes choose.
Ovechkin didn’t choose that route. He and his mother are active and enthusiastic supporters of Putin and his regime. Not out of fear, but because of what Putin can do for them.
|
Unless Putin was friends with a teenage hockey player who was, at that time, just another in a long line of talented Russian forwards, he chose Ovechkin.
Imagine Vladimir Putin calls you on the phone, or has you out to his dacha where he could easily have you found facedown in a swimming pool.
"You're going to say nice things about me, and so is your mom."
That request only ends with a "Yes Sir".