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.
“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.
We’re long past tolerance and acceptance. We’re onto submission, celebration and participation. You will wear the ribbon or be labeled a bigot and a troglodyte. There is no opting out.
— Gerry Callahan (@GerryCallahan) March 19, 2023
Christian & #SJSharks goaltender James Reimer is refusing to wear a Pride jersey tonight.
As Christians, we need to have James’ back as much or more as we did when #Flyers Ivan Provorov refused to wear one, while showing Biblical love with truth to our LGBTQ neighbors.
No one should be forced into activism by their employer. Forcing someone to advocate for a cause they don’t believe in is wrong, good on Reimer for standing up.
— Libby Emmons (@libbyemmons) March 19, 2023
However, not everyone was on Reimer’s side, as the goalkeeper also experienced backlash on the platform.?????????? Fight forced indoctrination.
— Vic DeGrammont (@votedegrammont) March 20, 2023
Reiner may not support the LGBTQIA+ community BUT the rest of his teammates do and that should be celebrated
— Josh Sanders (he/him) (@JoshSandersTV) March 19, 2023
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.The LGBTQ community & Brian Burke deserved better from James Reimer. The ex-Leafs goalie said his faith wouldn’t allow him to wear a rainbow-themed jersey. Religion has been used as a skirt for bigotry for an awfully long time.
— Toronto Star (@TorontoStar) March 20, 2023
