San Jose Sharks goalkeeper James Reimer has received both support and criticism for refusing to wear a pride jersey in warmups.
National Hockey League (NHL) stalwart Reimer said his Christian faith was the reason for his refusal to wear the jersey just before the Sharks’ home loss to the New York Islanders on March 18. The Sharks hosted a “Pride Night” that evening.
“Under the umbrella of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone initiative, the San Jose Sharks have chosen to wear jerseys in support of the LGBTQIA+ community tonight,” said Reimer when he spoke to reporters, words echoed in a statement released by the Sharks.
“For all 13 years of my NHL career, I have been a Christian—not just in title, but in how I choose to live my life daily. I have a personal faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins and, in response, asks me to love everyone and follow Him. I have no hate in my heart for anyone, and I have always strived to treat everyone with respect and kindness,” he continued.
“In this specific instance, I am personally choosing not to endorse something—a sexual identity or orientation—that is counter to my convictions which are based on the Bible, which I consider the highest authority in my life.
“I strongly believe that every person has value and worth … and the LGBTQIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed in all aspects of the game of hockey,” he said.
“You know what I’m like, you know my reputation,” Reimer told reporters. “I’ve treated you guys with respect and with dignity, and that’s kind of how I’ve treated everyone.
“As far as teammates … Regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, I’ve treated everyone with the same kindness and respect.
“I just can’t, publicly and personally, endorse something that goes against my beliefs,” Reimer said.
On Twitter, Reimer received support from conservatives.
However, not everyone was on Reimer’s side, as the goalkeeper also experienced backlash on the platform.
Reimer is not the only NHL player to refuse to wear a Pride jersey. In January, Philadelphia Flyers defender Ivan Provorov, citing his Russian Orthodox faith, refused to display pride colors in warmups ahead of a victory against the Anaheim Ducks.