Florida Panthers brothers Eric and Marc Staal decline to wear LGBTQ warmup jerseys during Pride Night as the NHL players oppose shirts due to religious beliefs

Florida Panthers fraternal duo Eric and Marc Staal declined to wear a LGBTQ sweater and therefore did not participate in the warmup skate before their NHL game Thursday night.

The Staal brothers exercised their freedoms, opposing the pride jersey due to religious beliefs.

‘After many thoughts, prayers and discussions we have chosen not to wear a Pride Night jersey tonight,’ the brothers said in a statement, released by the Panthers. 

‘We carry no judgement on how people choose to live their lives, and believe that all people should be welcome in all aspects of the game of hockey. Having said that, we feel that by us wearing a pride jersey it goes against our Christian beliefs.

‘We hope you can respect this statement, we will not be speaking any further on this matter and would like to continue to focus on the game and helping the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup.’

Florida Panthers brothers Eric (L) and Marc (R) Staal stand in opposition to LGBTQ jerseys

Florida Panthers brothers Eric (L) and Marc (R) Staal stand in opposition to LGBTQ jerseys

The brothers have played together with the New York Rangers and now the Florida franchise

The brothers have played together with the New York Rangers and now the Florida franchise

Panthers players wore the Pride-themed jerseys Thursday night before a home game vs. Toronto.  

The jerseys are just one part of many initiatives the Panthers built into the annual event, including auctioning off the jerseys, matching the money raised and donating it to nonprofits that work with the LGBTQ community.

‘As an organization, we’ve decided, and rightfully so, to move forward with it and support it and celebrate it,’ Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. 

‘Teams around the league and players around the league, they’ve got the right to their opinion, and we’ve got the right to ours.’

As numerous teams have pushed forward with LGBTQ nights, some players around the league have pushed back. 

The Chicago Blackhawks have chosen not to wear LGBTQ jerseys during a ‘Pride Night’ on Sunday. 

A decision was made by the NHL organization following discussions with security officials within and outside the franchise, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to the AP on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the move. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law in December that significantly expands restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBTQ rights in the country. 

San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer did not participate in Pride Night celebrations

San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer did not participate in Pride Night celebrations

Chicago defenseman Nikita Zaitsev is a Moscow native, and there are other players with family in Russia or other connections to the country. 

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov and San Jose Sharks netminder James Reimer did not participate in Pride Night, citing religious beliefs. 

The New York Rangers, Islanders and Minnesota Wild all opted out of wearing Pride-themed jerseys. 

Each February, the NHL promotes a ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ campaign which focuses on ways to promote diversity and inclusion. 

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov also pushed back and did not participate

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov also pushed back and did not participate

[ad_2]
Post source: Daily mail

You May Also Like

Man United 4-3 Liverpool: Diallo’s 121st-minute winner ends Klopp’s Quadruple hopes

The FA Cup quarter-final match between Manchester United and Liverpool ended in…

Leicester Fined for Profit and Sustainability Breaches Despite Relegation

Report “Leicester Fined for Profit and Sustainability Breaches Despite Relegation” Leicester City,…

Kobbie Mainoo Promoted to England’s Senior Squad Despite No Player Drops

Kobbie Mainoo, a promising young talent from Manchester United, has been a…

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Thibaut Courtois Has Ruptured His Internal Meniscus of The Right Knee

Thibaut Courtois Has Ruptured His Internal Meniscus of The Right Knee –…