Reimer skips Pride Night

[u/info-warz]

[u/tellurdogisayhello]

"More on this to follow"...

Uhh. What more is there? That's pretty much the whole story 🤣

[u/Mite-o-Dan → u/tellurdogisayhello]

"He's still not out there folks. More on this developing story at the 9 o'clock hour."

[u/Obvious_Tax468 → u/Mite-o-Dan]

“We’re currently a week into Reimergate, and he still did not warm up before the game last Saturday. Stay tuned for updates on the developments in navigating the time-space continuum”

[u/FriendlySlytherin → u/Obvious_Tax468]

“We still have no fucking clue where this guy is.”

[u/gbejrlsu → u/FriendlySlytherin]

Scenario number one: he's hanging by his neck in his fucking closet.

[u/flares_1981 → u/Obvious_Tax468]

“We continue to move forward in time at 1 s/s. More in a bit.”

[u/Educational-Quote794 → u/tellurdogisayhello]

They’re basically saying “when the inevitable shit storm comes out about this we’ll let you know”

[u/BleedingTeal → u/tellurdogisayhello]

Believe Corey was primarily talking about this statement from Couture about Reimer's decision. While Reimer may not be alone is how he feels about Pride night, he will be the only one in the Sharks locker room, and possibly in the organization, who feels not participating in Pride night is acceptable.

[u/sweettartspop → u/BleedingTeal]

it’s been a minute since I kept up with hockey and the sharks, but haven’t players of other teams skipped out on pride night acknowledgement like rainbow tape, without having to make a statement? Or is a statement required for not wearing the jersey?

[u/BleedingTeal → u/sweettartspop]

Sure, other players have skipped out on Pride events. But those times have still been fairly noteworthy in the hockey sphere. A team using pride tape is not really something I've seen much of overall, but it's certainly possible. But the pride jerseys are much more prominent and easy to spot when someone isn't participating. But the issue really is that the Sharks were one of the first, if not the first to engage with the LGBTQ+ community locally and have been a franchise dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community for over a decade. They've been doing pride nights at/before games for at least 8 years now. What Reimer is doing isn't just refusing to wear the rainbow jersey. He's sitting out warmups entirely, which I think we can all agree is actually quite noteworthy.

[u/McRibEater → u/tellurdogisayhello]

This won’t go over well in San Jose me thinks. San Jose isn’t Philly.

I’d also like to link this article, which explains the confusion behind Leviticus 22.

What it actually tries to explain is incest is just as bad for males as it is females, but got misinterpreted when it was changed from Hebrew. Leviticus 18-21 all mention incest, so did 22 in the original work before a misinterpretation. One line in a book being misinterpreted has caused Billions of people to hate, which goes against the core philosophies of Christianity to begin with.

https://blog.smu.edu/ot8317/2016/05/11/leviticus-1822/

Thus, the passage should be paraphrased: “Sexual intercourse with a close male relative should be just as abominable to you as incestuous relationships with female relatives.”

All of the anti-LGBT lines in the Bible were talking about Male Incest, not how two adult Males having sex is a Sin. I’d also like to point out that 6% of all Pastors abuse Children.

[u/AsensibleAhole → u/McRibEater]

At any rate, more than one instance of kiddie diddling forfeits the right to have any fucking opinion on what adults do in privacy.

[u/maxman1313 → u/McRibEater]

It's also Leviticus, and there are almost zero modern Christians who follow all the rules laid out there. Reimer himself has played games on Sundays and has worn fabrics of blended materials within the last month.

Cherry picking specific rules to follow from a text written thousands of years ago. Then translated into a version of English a thousand years ago is silly.

[u/onlyhere4laffs → u/maxman1313]

I read "A Year of Living Biblically" years ago and remember the mixed fabrics thing. The funniest thing I remember from that book was when the author had to follow the rule that said he couldn't sit anywhere a woman on her period had just been sitting (not sure of the time span) and then his wife trolled him by sitting on every flat surface in their apartment, so he couldn't sit anywhere.

[u/CatchMeWritinQWERTY → u/McRibEater]

Thanks for pointing that out, but I feel like using the Bible as an argument is a dead-end anyway with modern American Christians. There are a million things in the Bible that Christians ignore. If they are going to pick and choose and misinterpret, they will continue to do so. It’s not about logic or evidence, it’s about “faith” in whatever your pastor tells you.

[u/KingSaban → u/McRibEater]

I don’t think this is an accurate diagnosis of Reimer’s reasoning here. Imo.

[u/ZombieIMMUNIZED → u/tellurdogisayhello]

More on this is Reimer is apparently a pretty religious guy that obviously stands with the likes of Chick-fil-a and Ron DeSantis.

Whether it’s religion, or fascism, or hatred, or intolerance, or plain ignorance, is up to the average redditor to decide.

In my opinion any devote Christian should be supportive of all humans, not just the ones that adherer to Christian beliefs.

[u/Ukraineluvr → u/ZombieIMMUNIZED]

The reason I'm not a Christian anymore is because of the Christians. The moral superiority while treating people who don't believe what they do terribly is rough.

[u/BarbarianDwight → u/Ukraineluvr]

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ”

-Gandhi (but probably not really)

[u/ceddya → u/Ukraineluvr]

No idea why you're being downvoted. I was emotionally abused by my parents via Christianity. For all their talk about protecting children, who protects LGBT ones from such abuse?

[u/Ukraineluvr → u/ceddya]

I don't care about upvotes or downvotes. I went to Christian schools my whole life, and watched them treating people like shit who didn't fit the mould thinking nothing of it because from the inside it looks legit. The parts of the bible about loving your neighbor, humility, compassion, all of that shit, all out the window. Not for everyone, but by and large.

[u/Banzai51 → u/tellurdogisayhello]

The incoming fine for being perfectly healthy and able, but refusing to play.

[u/Exciting-Rub-6006]

He can if he wants

I can boo him if I want

The rock we all live on will keep rotating in space

[u/BleedingTeal → u/Exciting-Rub-6006]

Based perspective. Well said.

[u/GroundbreakingAds → u/Exciting-Rub-6006]

I fuckin love this.

“The rock we live on will keep rotating in space”

Have a great weekend

[u/kit_caboodle → u/Exciting-Rub-6006]

He has every right to make me think he's a tool.

[u/Quirky_Towel4401]

“Is he refusing to wear the ribbon?”

[u/Stubbedtoe18 → u/Quirky_Towel4401]

r/UnexpectedSeinfeld

[u/SomeJuckingGuy → u/Stubbedtoe18]

ELAINE: You know, James, just participating in warmups for Pride Night does not necessarily make you a homosexual.

(K)REIMER: It doesn’t help.

[u/midnightrambler108 → u/Quirky_Towel4401]

I got banned from r/hockey for posting that clip.

[u/TurbanGhetto → u/midnightrambler108]

lol.

You can’t post a mainstream video clip?

You have been banished to 21 days in the hole and must take woke101 classes before re-applying to r/hockey

[u/conjectureandhearsay → u/Quirky_Towel4401]

VOLUNTEER: But you have to wear an AIDS ribbon.
KRAMER: I have to?
VOLUNTEER: Yes. KRAMER: Yeah, see, that’s why I don’t want to.

For him that was the simple uncomplicated reason

[u/elwo → u/conjectureandhearsay]

Kramer still did the walk, ie cared about the issue, just didn't like the aesthetics of only wearing a ribbon and not "walking the walk". Quite the opposite of this situation here as far as I know.

[u/TheTimn → u/elwo]

In this case wearing the ribbon is walking the walk. The teams auction the jerseys off, and the money goes towards charities.

[u/Aquinathon → u/conjectureandhearsay]

Yeah but Reimer said he's not wearing the ribbon because he doesn't like gays. Not because he's forced to.

[u/justinreddit1 → u/Quirky_Towel4401]

It’s unreal because almost 25 years ago when approx that episode came out, I feel like nothing captures the culture of this shilling more so than the ribbon episode. It was foreshadowing the future.

[u/keysandtreesforme → u/Quirky_Towel4401]

WHO?? WHO will not wear the ribbon??

[u/mihelic8]

SDP is gonna be interesting this week

[u/orangepineapplesoda → u/mihelic8]

For sure. Steve is a huge Reimer fan for how friendly and kind he was on the Leafs. Steve is also a huge LGBTQ advocate.

[u/mihelic8 → u/orangepineapplesoda]

Either A. He’s going to address it and be like “he did this and I no longer support him because of it” or B. They aren’t going to address it and he won’t mention him anymore

[u/TheTimn → u/mihelic8]

He's already tweeted about it.

[u/kopitar-11 → u/mihelic8]

100% A

[u/Skylink56]

He’s from Morweena, MB. They’re real Mennonite from around there.

[u/TrustworthyEnough → u/Skylink56]

Holy fuck, can they run.

[u/mwl1234 → u/TrustworthyEnough]

Grew up near a big Mennonite community: can confirm this.
They run fast as fuck

[u/Szwedo → u/mwl1234]

Aylmer?

[u/mwl1234 → u/Szwedo]

Mine Centre

[u/Szwedo → u/mwl1234]

Oh you're from way up north, nice!

[u/RobertsFakeAccount → u/Szwedo]

Fuckin degens from upcountry (calm down mods….. it’s a quote from Letterkenny.)

[u/Szwedo → u/RobertsFakeAccount]

Fuck you shoresy

[u/noissuestoreport → u/Szwedo]

For What?!

[u/SkippyMcHugsLots → u/TrustworthyEnough]

Them schmellies sure are fast.

[u/DeplorableBot11545 → u/TrustworthyEnough]

Have you met the Dyck family though? Nicest Dyck’s I know!

[u/Spare-Ad-4558 → u/DeplorableBot11545]

You’ve not lived until you’ve had Dyck meat in your mouth.

[u/Artistic_Network8097 → u/DeplorableBot11545]

Is Anita Dyck still the matron round these parts?

[u/Skylink56 → u/DeplorableBot11545]

I shit you not, I used to deliver 3/4” good 1-side oak plywood to Harry Dyck.

[u/ZobRombie65 → u/DeplorableBot11545]

Who doesn’t love Harry Dyck?

[u/Boughtwithaprice → u/DeplorableBot11545]

Our dycks belong in the hands of the mennonite community

[u/TrustworthyEnough → u/DeplorableBot11545]

I used to hammer his wife's box once

[u/JohnBoyfromMN → u/TrustworthyEnough]

Fuck can they run

[u/C_Huffy → u/TrustworthyEnough]

Every single one of em

[u/Whippofunk → u/TrustworthyEnough]

That’s what I said, I said “fuck, can they run.”

[u/DashTrash21 → u/Skylink56]

Dang, that's too bad. Even in the MennoMecca of Steinbach they've come a long way. It was known basically as the town from Footloose but with more car dealerships for ever. There was just a story about a Filipino-only rec basketball league in town that finally started meshing with the rest of the community. Used to call the town 'Brokebach' ironically in reference to how religious and closed off it was.

[u/duadhe_mahdi-in → u/DashTrash21]

Town from footloose was Lynden Washington. Their town motto is "if you ain't dutch you ain't much."

[u/TacoPants4EVER → u/Skylink56]

THE MOON RULEZ!!!!!!

[u/Gimpy_Weasel → u/TacoPants4EVER]

Someone want to tell me who wrote “the Moon Rulez, #1” on my freakin car?!?

[u/CleavingStriker]

Only thing he'd rather avoid more is a game 7 against the Bruins

[u/artwarrior → u/CleavingStriker]

According to his beliefs, he lost that round because of God.

[u/poppinmollies → u/CleavingStriker]

Ya he's not proud of that one. Lol

[u/undercircumsized]

for what its worth (and nobody can even attempt to argue this) the NHL is literally the only sports league in the world that holds players accountable.

Deangelo gets boo’d everywhere he goes, and his rapsheet looks like afterschool detention compared to athletes from other sports

[u/halcyon_n_on_n_on → u/undercircumsized]

The fans do, not the NHL.

[u/pbro42 → u/halcyon_n_on_n_on]

Can confirm. I boo’d when we traded for him.

[u/osh1738 → u/pbro42]

Actually it’s not all fans, I cheered when we traded him away

[u/DryProgress4393 → u/osh1738]

I cheered when Georgie punched him in the face.

[u/DJP-MTL → u/pbro42]

Thank you for your service.

[u/Hustle787878 → u/pbro42]

Flyers fan here now relocated, just adding that I took great pleasure in booing him and Provorov when they came to Seattle. (Ditto with that domestic abuser Odubel Herrera when the Phillies played here.)

[u/w_d_roll_RIP → u/undercircumsized]

this is not true at all, have you seen any soccer leagues, players get taunted relentlessly for being shitheads

[u/CertainlyCircumcised → u/w_d_roll_RIP]

Any allegations to cheating, sexual assault, homophobia, racism, etc. will literally always be brought up regarding any player no matter when or even if the events took place.

I think people are just inclined to think it only happens in the NHL because the hockey community is so small vs other sporting communities so we hear about these events more frequently

[u/TapedGlue → u/CertainlyCircumcised]

Also many hockey fans can tend to have inferiority complexes about this sport so they spin ridiculous narratives to explain just how and why hockey is the best of the four major sports

[u/SpartyParty15 → u/undercircumsized]

The fans aren’t the NHL

[u/BuffytheBison → u/undercircumsized]

To be fair, some of this is because athletes in the NHL aren't held to the same scrutiny that athletes in more popular sports are. The NHL isn't immune from issues like domestic abuse, for example, that all sports deal with, but because there isn't the same coverage, a lot of things are swept under the rug. This is why the Hockey Canada stuff is such a huge deal. That stuff always went on, it just never recieved coverage which in turn diswayed victims from coming forward.

[u/5aliprinic854 → u/undercircumsized]

Social Media, where everyone has an opinion on shit that doesn’t matter at all

[u/CrazyBoDevola]

I applaud the Sharks for having the courage to still do pride night and the warm up jerseys. If Reimer sits out then that reflects on him only.

[u/Poguetry64 → u/CrazyBoDevola]

And it does and will stay with him forever as it should

[u/ThisNameIsFree → u/CrazyBoDevola]

Wild and Rangers, I'm looking at you.

[u/Waffles_Remix → u/ThisNameIsFree]

Don’t worry, Wild still made time for blue lives matter night. Same same right? Not problematic at all.

[u/Mission_Cause368]

Imagine if this was for a military service night.

[u/RealPeriniScleroso → u/Mission_Cause368]

Interesting point. Reimer is Mennonite and mennonites are also pacifists. So by his “faith” he should not participate in military service night either. But, as with all Christians, they pick what’s convenient for them.

[u/Mission_Cause368 → u/RealPeriniScleroso]

I did not know that. You make two very valid points!

[u/kingoftheposers → u/Mission_Cause368]

The US military pays millions of dollars to sports leagues for the promotion, so it is not optional to take part in military service night

[u/KaCarrotCake → u/kingoftheposers]

Lmao where the military getting money?

[u/SaraLillySiren → u/KaCarrotCake]

Lmao where the military getting money?

Brain ouchie

[u/HockeyPls → u/Mission_Cause368]

Yup. Especially in the US, the military is talked about like it’s the most honourable, altruistic institution on the face of the earth. If I was in the nhl I would have to back out of military appreciation night knowing that the IMC exists to encourage conflict and impose American might upon smaller nations. How can you possibly support the military while claiming your moral values are why you object to LGBTQ+ people just wanting to experience a love life

[u/Leading_Attention_78 → u/HockeyPls]

“BuT tHaT’s NoT pOlItiCaL”.

[u/Sempere → u/HockeyPls]

Except when they come back and talk about the horrors of war.

[u/yerbadoo → u/HockeyPls]

Soldiers kill WAY more innocent people than the global LGBT community. Yet we fund the fuck out of wars.

[u/Uninformed-Driller → u/yerbadoo]

Wrong! Gay soldiers kill way more than straight soldiers so that means we need to gay the fuck up! /s

[u/QuarterNote44 → u/Mission_Cause368]

I can imagine it. He would immediately be the toast of reddit.

[u/QAPetePrime]

He’s out having a manly drink with Proverov.

[u/dog-ra → u/QAPetePrime]

A strictly platonic manly drink, whereby the definition of "manly" does not encroach upon anything that may be misconstrued as "attractive to any members of the same sex", and the drinking of which will be conducted at a distance of at least 1.524m from one another. The drinking will be immediately terminated if there is any accidental physical contact, lingering stares, noticing of one another's phsyical form, or if a song playing in the venue contains any beats or lyrics that could promote any kind of sexualized activity (see: the moving of the hips or torso in a suggestive manner). If at any point in the evening either of them is to see a colour spectrum containing more than two (2) colours, both parties are to vacate the premises in an orderly but efficient manner lest they accidentally remember that gay people exist.

I think that about covers anything that might set these two off. Hope they enjoy that drink!

[u/QAPetePrime → u/dog-ra]

😂

[u/_petasaurus_]

I want to see players skip warm-up for military night. I already have all the popcorn made for everyone.

[u/GHamPlayz → u/_petasaurus_]

I like this idea.

[u/TheTimn → u/_petasaurus_]

I'm putting money aside to buy the sweater of the first player who does. (Unless they're also skipping Pride night)

[u/Ok-Champ-5854 → u/_petasaurus_]

Or law enforcement night.

Idk anything about this guy really but he better skip all the nights or it's a little hypocritical.

[u/coolhatguy]

Media gives more attention to the people that don’t participate than the actual celebration and it takes the spotlight away

[u/elways_love_child]

He isn’t participating because is a Christian and follows the words of a man who said l “Let us Love one another and everyone that loveth is born of God”. But I guess he is selective on the words he follows.

[u/Ghost_taco]

There's nothing in the bible that condemns homosexuality. However, it does condemn perversion - you know, straight men like Josh Dugar, Jared Fogel (of Subway fame) and this list of Texas Pastors that were arrested for abusing children: https://www.newsweek.com/full-list-texas-pastors-charged-abusing-children-1765910

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/assault/bible/doesnotoppose.html

[u/[deleted] → u/Ghost_taco]

[removed] — view removed comment

[u/BigBillSmash]

I think people forget we’re in a free country and we can do what we want. He’s free to not wear his rainbow whatever and people are free to criticize him.

[u/RipErRiley → u/BigBillSmash]

The same people who say that tend to be the same ones who lose it if the guy were to get penalized by the team/league for it (he won’t) or does something during an anthem.

In any case, I’m fine with letting players skip it. But they reap what they sow. Its a warmup sweater, not a blood oath.

[u/TurbanGhetto → u/BigBillSmash]

You make it sound so simple.

..oh, wait, it really is that simple isn’t it?

I think some people here are looking for the death penalty option.

[u/SuspiciousUsername88 → u/TurbanGhetto]

I think some people here are looking for the death penalty option.

No, what's happening is that people are saying "ok fuck him then", and other people are acting like the "fuck him" people are looking for the death penalty.

for me personally - fuck him. I hope this ruins his career because there's hundreds of other people who aren't bigots who can take his place. I don't want him to go to jail. No one is saying he should. People are just making that position up to argue against because they're cowards

[u/GeneralZaroff1 → u/SuspiciousUsername88]

Yup this exactly. You’re free to publicly make any political message you want. And your audience will then make whatever message they want back.

You’ll win a lot of fans who hate LGBTQs, and you’ll lose some fans who don’t. That’s how it all works.

[u/vbcbandr → u/BigBillSmash]

I assume you'd say the same thing if he decided he couldn't play with a gay player, or a black person or a woman.

Nah, man, call out bigotry.

[u/you_are_unhinged → u/BigBillSmash]

The word you are unable to think of is “ribbon.”

[u/RocknRobin888]

He's free to not participate but maybe he could take it all the way and forgo his salary for this game...........I mean if he feels that strongly about pride night then he shouldn't want to be paid with money from supporters of pride night. Just sayin......

[u/star_bury]

"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 must have missed the part in the Bible that said to not wear a hockey jersey that supports someone born different from you. 🤣

[u/---Giga--- → u/star_bury]

The bible also says nothing about wearing a t-shirt that says "hail Satan"

[u/nitid_name → u/star_bury]

It's the part that says "Judge not, lest ye be judged."

... wait, no. That was that weird hippie commie bit with the brown guy from the middle east who wanted to give out free healthcare and paid his taxes. We want the angry god part where he destroys a city because some dudes wanted to bang an angel.

[u/Goondocks23]

Maybe I have a fucked up mind, but I always wonder how many of these people who speak out against homosexuality have watched porn of the same nature.

[u/mrfunderhill]

That’s a pretty salty move for a dude who showers with 29 other dudes.

[u/rideronthestorm29 → u/mrfunderhill]

bro but i said “No homo”

[u/GROSSEMERDE → u/mrfunderhill]

No eye contact means not gay

[u/InternDarin]

I’m sure some people enjoy seeing themselves represented by these ‘nights’ weather pride, military, and cancer awareness; with that said, it just feels like a cash grab for some jerseys in the pro shop. Everyone is entitled to their own rights and views, so I don’t get the anger towards a stranger on the ice for not participating.

[u/screechypete → u/InternDarin]

You hit the nail on the head. As a member of the LGBT community, I don't feel a sense of inclusion or acceptance when I see these jerseys. I feel like I'm being exploited so that the NHL can make more money by pretending to care about us. On that note I wonder how many people that are upset about this actually care or are even part of the LGBT community, or are they just getting upset because that's the thing they think they're suppossed to do in this situation. Reimer sitting out doesn't bother me because I know there are people who disagree with the choices I make in my life, and that's ok. As long as they're not spewing hate speech or actively trying to hurt us, I don't see a problem with this.

[u/Huntsville_Walls → u/screechypete]

Oh this is where they're hiding the logic. Well said

[u/JetStorm409 → u/screechypete]

Screechypete, I absolutely love your comment. I couldn't have said it better myself.

[u/matkinson56 → u/InternDarin]

Because it feels like they don't think gay people should have the same rights or that there isn't an issue, when they refuse to wear pride gear. To me it's just disappointing. After 9/11, I stood up for Muslims even though I'm not religious. I support BLM even though I'm not black. Whether you think a pride night is effective or not when you choose not to participate you are sending a message that you don't agree with whatever is being supported. Right or wrong that is how it's interpreted.

[u/Agint_ReD → u/matkinson56]

Never thought I'd agree this hard with a Bruins fan, but here we are I guess.

[u/Beanbith]

Not like he shows up most games anyways. Sharks have a better chance of winning when he’s not in net.

[u/Stormaker94 → u/Beanbith]

I disagree. Recently yes he's been inconsistent, but before Chrismas, he's responsible for a couple W's and even more loser points from almost stealing the games

[u/sweettartspop]

From the pearls of wisdom that is HFboards:

Just because you wear a jersey that says you support the LGBTQ community doesn't mean you agree with their lifestyle choices.
It means that you acknowledge that nobody should get the sh** kicked out of them or killed because of it.

well, at least they have a baseline…

[u/puckmama1010]

Maybe he shouldn’t play in Sunday games? Bible says that’s the Lords day and you are supposed to rest. Hate is hate

[u/Pr11mo]

The problem I have with these sorts of things is that so many people fall back on pride nights and similar things as their only show of support. Wear the jersey. Don't wear the jersey. Really doesn't make a huge difference if you don't actually DO anything. Donate money or go volunteer somewhere. Doing nothing and just "wearing the jersey" so to speak just allows organizations to use pride as a PR stunt, and allows lots of people to just appear to be on the right side without lifting a finger. Kinda like skating around for 60 mins instead of playing hockey. We hate that, right?

Oh and Reimer's further comments on the situation are very respectful.

[u/ItsAFarOutLife → u/Pr11mo]

You don't actually need to 'support gay people' more than just allowing them to have the same rights as everyone else and treating them like human beings. They're not poor and they don't need hand outs. In plenty of places doing nothing is more than a lot of people do.

[u/BleedingTeal → u/ItsAFarOutLife]

Yea. It's a minimum bar of not ostracizing or marginalizing them. Really not difficult to do. And yet so many stumble so hard when trying to clear that bar.

[u/anthonyhad2 → u/Pr11mo]

You’re wrong: people with platforms like athletes can strongly influence how people think and can encourage allyship for disrespected minorities…

[u/jtkt → u/Pr11mo]

These events normalize the LGTB community, which is massive for people who have long had to hide their true identities.

[u/notesundevil → u/jtkt]

Especially true in the sports world where homophobia still runs rampant

[u/BatmanAndMe123 → u/Pr11mo]

I happened to attend a Kansas baseball pride game a few years ago. When they did the kiss cam it was the most beautiful thing I’ve seen. To see people get to participate is something silly but a staple in a ballgame was powerful. Being at that game I was a part of a group that was accepting of others. It doesn’t seem like much but these nights can make an impact.

[u/you_are_unhinged → u/BatmanAndMe123]

That’s really neat; I would’ve thought it was really beautiful too !

[u/WhaleyWino235]

I may get downvoted, but this doesn’t stop the progress of the LGBTQ+ community. Also the dude has a choice, and chose not to wear it. This is a nothing burger.

[u/CentenarioAvalanche → u/WhaleyWino235]

Yes

[u/Plastic-Club-5497]

He’s allowed to do it if he wants. But I’m allowed to call him a hypocritical asshole for the statement he released that his goal in life was to be Christ like and “love everyone” while refusing to take part in wearing a ceremony about inclusivity.

[u/Piccolo_11]

2023 and people still discriminating others based on a book written 2000 years ago

[u/GrayRoberts]

Hockey is for everyone. Except it’s not. It makes me sad.

[u/undercircumsized → u/GrayRoberts]

wait til you find out how NFL players feel about gay people, or literally any sport besides hockey where they just let sexual predators like deshaun watson make half a billion dollars lol

[u/Best-Driver-8591 → u/undercircumsized]

Watson pulled off one of the biggest heist in human history. All that guaranteed money with all those accusations… insane how dumb the Browns are.

[u/Liimbo → u/undercircumsized]

That doesn't make the NHL problem any better. Setting the bar on the floor doesn't make clearing it impressive.

[u/reecewagner → u/GrayRoberts]

It’s never been for everyone. It’s certainly not for poor people

[u/GuestUser1982 → u/GrayRoberts]

Hockey is for everyone. In hockey they have huge nights to show support for people of different lifestyles, and allow others who don’t support the same lifestyles based on their asinine, ignorant religious views to sit out.

The main problem with stories like this is that the focus is on the one guy who doesn’t skate around in a jersey for 7 minutes, as opposed to all the other ones who do. Shine the light on the numerous players who are out there showing support. Not on the one guy who asks to sit it out.

[u/halcyon_n_on_n_on → u/GuestUser1982]

This is a fair point.

[u/vbcbandr → u/GuestUser1982]

Nah, call out bigotry. Make it known that his actions and words aren't aligned. He can talk the talk but can't walk the walk. Him sitting is showing us what he really believes despite what he is saying.

[u/Mr_Sausage__]

So if it’s normal warmup day he participates but because it’s pride night he won’t?

[u/Unhappy_Quarter154]

Listen y’all.

As a gay dude in SF, San Jose is a super LGBT friendly city.

The Sharks have special nights all year.

Lunar New Year, South Asian Night, Women’s History Night, the list goes on and on and on.

Every night features artwork and merch from local artists. It’s a big deal.

With that said, where were the misogynists on Women’s night? Where were the Xenophobes on Lunar New Year?

Why is this ok to speak out about but nothing else is?

Again, I’m a gay dude. But I’ve never asked for any attention, and especially never as much as a hockey player making a headline about not supporting a major part of the fan base.

Heck, I moved from Ohio after college because I was threatened by bigot coworkers. It sucks to be born one way, and those religious assholes who preach “love” chase you out of your own hometown.

And now I’m a sharks fan and our shit ass goalie needs a spotlight. Of course

[u/Calligrapher-Extreme]

Omg who cares, boo him if you want, don't boo him. I don't give a crap about any of these people's personal opinions. Just play hockey.

[u/jtww → u/Calligrapher-Extreme]

Can't he just not care and suck it up also? Just play hockey?

Why is this a one way street. Guy is employed by a league that has a pride night. I wish we could all pick and choose what we want to do in our jobs.

[u/VelvetHobo]

Riemer won't wear rainbow "because religion" but will wear camo in support of the military despite being of the Mennonite faith, which holds pacifism as a core, fundamental belief.

Methinks Riemer is really just another bigot.

[u/LeadershipOwn]

Who cares people don't have to like gay people everyone is entitled to whatever belief they want just move on with your life there is plenty of other big problems besides something this dumb

[u/flat_footed_gringo]

Reimer jerseys about to sell out online

[u/Quartz_Knee]

Using the good ole “I’m a Christian” excuse.

Classy. /s

[u/SL_1983]

"Standing up for what he believes in..."

Believes in... checks notes... God.

Doesn't believe in... rechecks notes... Gay People.

Yeah that tracks like a bigoted train wreck.

[u/higglejiggle]

Oh no, anyways.

[u/ponikweGCC]

Fucking bigot.

[u/O-Furry-1]

Nobody tell him that there have been gay people since there have been people. The whole anti gay thing is as dumb as racism. Thanks religion.

[u/SquiblyWibly]

Who gives a fuck? It's hockey. Why does absolutely everything have to turn into a special event for special people trying to force everyone else to agree that they're special.

[u/tootnine]

What a softy, lol. You wanna get this guy off his game? Tell him all people deserve respect, inclusion, and tolerance. He'll fucking crumble

[u/moderatesoul]

Why are these players such fucking babies? By babies, I mean bigots.

[u/CKohlman97]

While there's nothing wrong with James Reimer or anyone else for that matter being a Christian or any religion for that matter it's fucked up that it's become the go-to rebuttal for situations like this b/c taking part in what the Sharks are doing tonight is one of the smallest ways to show the world that the LGBTQ+ community exists, are human beings & deserve all the rights that come along with that, especially b/c Christianity like most if not all religions preach being a good person & kind to your fellow human.

[u/theTallBoy]

Remember when the US had a collective shit-gasim breakdown when NFL players chose to kneel?

The fact that no one cares and mostly agrees with these assholes shows why Pride Nights are so important.

These players are intolerant and hateful. fuck-em.

[u/GLFR_59]

Nobody in the LGBTQ+ community cares what the NHL does. This is so irrelevant to their cause there is no point in commenting on it.

[u/privatestudy → u/GLFR_59]

As a queer person who loves hockey these nights aren’t for me. It’s for the kid that is closeted and finds one connection with family via sports. Representation matter. These acts are small, but the impact ripples. To see your favorite player not support who are you as a person can be heart breaking. Yeah, players are human, but they’re also getting paid to put on the jersey and show support. Edit: grammar

[u/kiptheenglish → u/privatestudy]

This was the take I was scrolling and hoping to find.

[u/Ph1llyth3gr8 → u/privatestudy]

This needs to be top comment. There’s so many layers to this.

[u/psifusi → u/privatestudy]

I love who you are and this should be a top comment <3.

[u/privatestudy → u/psifusi]

Thank you!

[u/undercircumsized → u/GLFR_59]

this. every gay friend i have understands basic pandering and views it as performative exploitation to hopefully sell a few rainbow jerseys and earn goodboy news points for 15 minutes

[u/happydontwait → u/undercircumsized]

For what it’s worth it means something to me. As a huge sports participant and fan as a kid I think it would have been great to see things like Pride Night by my idols growing up, pro athletes.

But they didnt do this sort of stuff in the 90s. Im a big fan of it, but I don’t buy any merch.

[u/IcePokeTwoSoon → u/undercircumsized]

As a bi dude, I bought a rainbow jersey, and wear it with pride. That said, you are spot on, and I don’t care about this guys decision. He’s not spouting hate, he’s just simply not accepting, and that’s fine. It’s corporate shilling just like the pride flags in June. My view is I’m going to buy a jersey anyways so I’ll buy one that doubles for what I believe in.

[u/vbcbandr → u/IcePokeTwoSoon]

Let's be honest though: society more readily accepts bi people (especially bi women) vs. gay men.

Pride Night isn't just for LGBTQ+ fans, it's showing that community that they are supported everywhere. It's saying, "I see you, I respect you and I support you". I have no idea why people would dismiss Pride Night, especially when we see so many people buying Provorov jerseys. None of those people owned a Provorov jersey until he actively chose to dismiss LGBTQ+ people. Same thing will happen with Reimer.

If you can't show up and skate with a Pride jersey for ten minutes, you sure as fuck aren't going to show up when it actually matters.

[u/SovietCanuckistan420 → u/vbcbandr]

I don’t know if I would say that bi people are more accepted, I think the shit we put up with comes in different flavours. Bi women get: “Oh, that’s hot” or asked for threesomes. Bi men get: “Your really just gay, right?” and gay guys think we’ll just end up marrying women.

I find Pride Night useful for outing the homophobes in the league. I can guarantee you Reimer isn’t skipping out cause he thinks Pride Night is performative and that the league isn’t doing enough. It’s cause he thinks so poorly of the LGBTQ community that he refuses to be associated with it in even the most meagre way.

[u/punkslime → u/GLFR_59]

You missed me in your survey of gays, I do care.

[u/Jrkrey92 → u/GLFR_59]

First of all, all us straight dudes need to stop saying we speak for the entire LGBTQ+ community. Also I cannot fathom why on earth people have a problem wearing a rainbow jersey for a single warm-up once a year. Just to show that everyone's equal..

[u/screechypete]

As a member of the LGBT community, IDGAF whether someone sits out or not. Everyone gets on their high horse about acceptance, but forcing someone to participate in something that goes against their beliefs is the exact oposite of accepting. As long as he's not actively spewing hate speech or trying to inflict pain onto others, who cares if he doesn't participate. Just let the guy play hockey. I may get downvoted for saying this, but with so many people getting mad on our behalf I felt like I needed to say it.

[u/MtnyCptn → u/screechypete]

I mean, he can definitely do what he likes. But we are also allowed to get angry at bigoted behaviour. You also don’t speak for our whole community.

[u/keyserfunk]

Wow, at least the Russians could hide behind the Putin anti-gay laws as an ostensible excuse.

[u/AnitaWhore]

Going to go ahead and bookmark this. I'll circle back when someone outs him or he comes out of the closet himself. Story as old as time.

[u/PkinPie]

Way to take something that has nothing to do with you and try to make it about you. This dude needs to get a life.

[u/InsertNovelAnswer]

My work was going to participate in Pride so I decided I wasn't going to show up until 45 minutes after my shift starts and my boss was cool with it... said no other occupation ever.

[u/Captobvious75]

So whats his position? People say it doesn’t matter but as a fellow human- how much does he look down upon another group of peaceful humans?

[u/BreadMancbj]

He has every right to. Nhl needs to quit putting their players in situations like this . They are hockey players .

[u/saltyshart → u/BreadMancbj]

No veterans night, no playing on religious holidays, etc. There is so many 'situations' a player can be in. If a player choses to be a shithead people can call him that.

[u/vivalass]

Jeez, I can’t imagine how it would go down if I told my boss I was too homophobic to do my job. Don’t imagine I’d have one for long.

[u/Cash_man]

“I love you, but I will not show or prove that I love you”

My god it’s 2023

[u/mattyshaman234]

Idk about y’all but my gaydar is going off with that guy.

[u/GodLikePlaya]

He is free to not support whatever he pleases. In no way should he be punished for this.

[u/KidcoreJae]

I’m a pretty active advocate for LGBTQ rights, and I don’t agree with this backlash. He didn’t do anything hateful, he just doesn’t feel comfortable promoting it. If you told me I had to wear an anti abortion jersey I’d refuse as well. Free speech does work both ways 🤷‍♀️

[u/Candid_Chapter2221]

A night about respecting people’s decisions. But we can’t respect someone else’s decisions. How ironic