Usa hockey, goalkeeper does not wear the rainbow jersey and goes to the bench

He doesn’t wear the shirt in support of the community LGBTQIA+ and was kept on the bench throughout the game. It wasn’t a night like any other James ReimerCanadian goalkeeper of the San Jose Sharkswho decided not to wear the warm-up t-shirt made for the “Night of Pride” and which his team has officially endorsed. Reimer sat out in the game against the New York Islanders. The goalkeeper, who had played 35 matches so far, 34 of which from the start, motivated his refusal with a post on social media: “I didn’t want to go against my personal beliefs which are based on the Bible”.

Reimer: “I am a Christian, I have chosen not to support something contrary to my beliefs”

The Sharks they took note of their player’s choice, declaring that they “accept the rights of people to express themselves, in the way they want and if they want, regardless of the topic”. Reimer, on the other hand, explained his choice. “I am a Christian, not only as a definition but as a choice of life – his words – I have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins to ask us to love anyone and follow him. In my heart I do not feel hatred for no one and always have treated everyone I meet with respect. In this circumstance, I have chosen not to endorse anything that is contrary to my personal beliefs based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life. I firmly believe that every person has a tremendous value and that the LGBTQIA+ community, like all others, should be embraced in all aspects of the game of hockey.”

The previous this season by Ivan Provorov

Reimer knows well that his decision could compromise his sporting future: “I would be lying if I said I didn’t know. At the same time there are people who respect me for standing up for what I believe in.” Reimer is the second NHL player this year to refuse to attend pre-game warmups wearing a “Pride” T-shirt. Ivan Provorov, a Russian defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers, did so in January. “I respect everyone and I respect everyone’s decisions. My decision is to stay true to myself and my religion,” he commented. His stance was defended by coach John Tortorella: “It’s one thing I respect about Provy, he’s always true to himself.”