NHL teams are facing criticism for discontinuing their pride nights, and the reason behind their decisions has been revealed and it is shocking.
Pride Jerseys Canned to Protect Russian Players
According to The Athletic‘s Michael Russo and Joe Smith, the reason NHL teams are removing pride jerseys is to prevent Russian players from consequences at home.
It appears that Russian players who participate will receive arrest warrants in their home country, which would be detrimental to their lives after the NHL.
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In an article from TheAthletic's Michael Russo & Joe Smith, they cite that multiple teams with high-profile Russian players are scrapping their pride-themed night jerseys after Russia updated their anti-gay laws in December.
«It is illegal to spread ‘propaganda' about ‘nontraditional sexual relations' in all media, including social, advertising and movies.»
Ben Noble, associate professor of Russian politics at University College London, says that Russian players are «absolutely» at risk should they wear the pride-themed warmup jerseys.
«These are legitimate fears,» Noble said. «‘If you put on a Pride jersey, then there is uncertainty regarding how this would be interpreted by law enforcement in Russia — and that's a risk. The authorities have the power to enforce this and other legislation selectively. It's up to them to decide whom they go after.»
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In an article from TheAthletic's Michael Russo & Joe Smith, they cite that multiple teams with high-profile Russian players are scrapping their pride-themed night jerseys after Russia updated their anti-gay laws in December.
«It is illegal to spread ‘propaganda' about ‘nontraditional sexual relations' in all media, including social, advertising and movies.»
Ben Noble, associate professor of Russian politics at University College London, says that Russian players are «absolutely» at risk should they wear the pride-themed warmup jerseys.
«These are legitimate fears,» Noble said. «‘If you put on a Pride jersey, then there is uncertainty regarding how this would be interpreted by law enforcement in Russia — and that's a risk. The authorities have the power to enforce this and other legislation selectively. It's up to them to decide whom they go after.»
It is worth noting that several NHL teams have cancelled their pride nights, particularly considering the prominent role of Russian players on some of these teams.
For instance, the Minnesota Wild rely heavily on their franchise player, Kirill Kaprizov, who hails from Russia. Similarly, the New York Islanders have goaltender Ilya Samsonov, while the Rangers boast a cast of Russian players including Artemi Panarin, Igor Shesterkin, and Vladimir Tarasenko.
While this level of clarity is intriguing, it is also disheartening to see a government impede progress on a worthy cause.
Source: Hockey Patrol
| POLL | ||
10 MARS | 160 ANSWERS The Chilling Reason NHL Teams are Cancelling Pride Jerseys Has Been Revealed Do you think the NHL is doing enough to protect its Russian players? | ||
| Yes | 99 | 61.9 % |
| No | 61 | 38.1 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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