NHL's Joel Ward may kneel for anthem

Coldnoodle

Coldnoodle

Pro
Joined
Jul 24, 2015
Messages
327
Reputation
-60
Daps
901
“It’s definitely something I wouldn’t cross out,” Ward said when asked by the Mercury News whether he’d consider taking a knee during the national anthem at an upcoming Sharks game.

“I’ve experienced a lot of racism myself in hockey and on a day-to-day occurrence. I haven’t really sat down to think about it too much yet, but I definitely wouldn’t say no to it.”

Ward, a Canadian player who’s the son of Barbadian immigrants, felt the sting of racism the first time he laced up the skates to play in a youth hockey game as a nine or 10-year-old in Toronto. Kids were calling him names and making racial slurs toward him from the stands.

“I had no clue what the words meant until my parents educated me about what was going on in my surroundings. I was just a kid who fell in love with the game and picked up a hockey stick. I didn’t really look at it as color,” Ward said. “As I got older and looked across the locker rooms and dressings rooms, I realized I’m the only black kid in the whole arena.

“I’ve experienced racism as a kid, as an adult. I think I’ll always experience it.”

Racism followed Ward to the NHL and reared its ugly head when he scored a series-clinching goal for the Washington Capitals in overtime of Game 7 against the Boston Bruins in 2012.

After the game, Ward received death threats from Bruins fans on social media who addressed him with a torrent of racially-charged language.
Click to expand...
Sharks' Ward may join NFL protest, take knee during anthem.


why-is-the-internet-so-racist.jpg


I wonder what hockey fans will think...

:mjpls:
 
MikelArteta

MikelArteta

Moderator
Staff member
Supporter
Joined
Apr 30, 2012
Messages
264,840
Reputation
35,069
Daps
808,716
Reppin
Goatganda the pearl of Africa
L

lotteryplaya

Winning a big lottery jackpot is my dream.
Joined
Apr 21, 2015
Messages
10,159
Reputation
2,915
Daps
34,146
I remember the racist Boston fans went at him after he hit that shot so Joel knows how to be brave against these white supremacists fans afraid of change. I also remember he played for the predators.When you play daily fantasy its easy to remember when you see a non white players face pop up on the NHL list. Even if he chooses not to do it we have heard from him and know where his heart is. :salute:

https://deadspin.com/5905356/heres-...joel-wards-series-winning-goal-against-boston
 
Jamal514

Jamal514

In high demand
Joined
May 2, 2012
Messages
13,654
Reputation
1,630
Daps
47,670
Reppin
Montreal
Coldnoodle said:
Sharks' Ward may join NFL protest, take knee during anthem.


why-is-the-internet-so-racist.jpg


I wonder what hockey fans will think...

:mjpls:
Click to expand...

The Joel Ward thread on hfboards.com has already been locked.:mjpls:

African-American player JT Brown is considering joining the protest too.

J.T. Brown of Lightning respects NFL players' protests

J.T. Brown of Lightning respects NFL players' protests

jtbrown092517_8col.jpg


There was something in the air in the NFL on Sunday. President Trump’s comments and tweets on NFL player protests achieved the effect of creating more of them. Lightning winger J.T. Brown was asked about it as he stood in a hall at Amalie Arena, a few hours before the Lightning played the Florida Panthers in a preseason game.

“I think there are just a lot of people banding together, trying to show unity, trying to show solidarity over an issue that a lot of people feel is being taken lightly,” Brown said.

Brown, who is one of about 30 African-American players in the National Hockey League, would not rule out that he might protest.

“I won’t say no,” he said. “But right now, I’m focusing on our season.”

Brown, 27, has taken stands before. Last September, he called out former Lightning coach John Tortorella after Tortorella said he would bench anyone on the Team USA World Cup roster if they did not stand for the national anthem. Last month, Brown donated $1,500 to assist in removing a Confederate statue from downtown Tampa.

He thinks the message behind Kaepernick’s original protest still rings loudly, more so after the president’s comments.

“I don’t agree with (the president’s) comments," Brown said. "As with anything, some people will agree, some people won’t. I respect all the players for what they’re doing, coming together.

“You can’t get mad for a peaceful protest. Or maybe you can. The protests aren’t always peaceful. It can get violent. But even with peaceful protests, there is going to be negative backlash. There are going to be people on both sides of the argument, no matter what side you take, how peaceful you are.”

Brown was asked if athletes are more comfortable with protest after the president’s comments.

“I don’t think it’s about being comfortable. The whole thing is about pushing people outside of their comfort zone. What everybody is doing is going outside of being normal, what everyone is used to.

“The president talking about it brings more light to it. (Sunday) could be a powerful day. It could keep pushing people, moving it forward.”
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top