San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer won’t take part in pregame warmups Saturday night, saying the team’s decision to wear Pride-themed jerseys in support of the LGBTQ community runs counter to his religious beliefs.
Reimer said in a statement Saturday that he made the decision based on his Christian beliefs, adding that he “always strived to treat everyone with respect” and that members of the LGBTQ community should be welcome in hockey.
“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 life,” Reimer said.
Reimer is the second NHL player this season to refuse to take part in warmups with Pride-themed jerseys, with Philadelphia’s Ivan Provorov declining to in January. Reimer was not slated to start in Saturday night’s home game against the New York Islanders, which is Pride night.
Additionally, the New York Rangers opted not to wear Pride jerseys or use Pride stick tape as part of their night in January despite previously advertising that plan.
The Sharks said in a statement that they are proud to host Pride Night, saying the event reinforces the team’s commitment to inclusiveness.
“As we promote these standards, we also acknowledge and accept the rights of individuals to express themselves, including how or whether they choose to express their beliefs, regardless of the cause or topic,” the team said in a statement. “As an organization, we will not waver in our support of the LGBTQIA+ community and continue to encourage others to engage in active allyship.”
The You Can Play Project, which works to promote inclusiveness in sports, said the organization was disappointed in Reimer’s actions.
“Religion and respect are not in conflict with each other, and we are certainly disappointed when religion is used as a reason to not support our community,” the organization said. “Wearing pride jerseys, like any celebration jersey worn, is not about the personal feelings of an athlete; rather the communication from the team that a community is welcome in the arena and the sport.”
NHLI via Getty Images
NHLI via Getty Images
This is insanity thinking that a normal person would be told they have to support pride month. My opinion is everyone can do what they want, but wearing pride colors is saying I agree with it, and I don’t. Nobody will ever convince me that two men or women together is natural and nobody has to support something they don’t believe in.
Yes, no one should be expected to help pimp homosexuality addiction mental illness… homosexics should keep their perversions private and hidden behind closed doors… addictions are nothing to be proud of…
No one should have to support this. I am a gay man and I absolutely don’t even agree with this! First and foremost GOD ALWAYS COMES FIRST!
I can’t stand what the LGBTQ has turned out like. What an embarassment and don’t even like to back them anymore or stand in their corner. Initially, it was just acceptance now they are pushing other disgusting agendas. Sick sick sick!
Good for this athlete to stand their ground!!!
Awesome , So Proud of this Man, not Bowing to Woke Nonsense that insults religion, because the Rainbow is a Symbol of GOD’s Covenant with Humanity, NOT homosexuality !