Originally published June 23, 2023 11:00 am PDT
In a recent announcement, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has suggested that players should forgo donning so-called LGBTQ “Pride” themed jerseys during pre-game warmups.
The recommendation extends to all jersey themes, however, also encompassing ‘Hockey Fights Cancer,’ military night attire, and others.
Bettman elucidated his stance on Thursday, underlining that such displays have deviated from the initial intention of honoring specific groups or causes.
“It’s become a distraction and taking away from the fact that all of our clubs … host nights in honour of various groups or causes, and we’d rather they continue to get the appropriate attention they deserve,” Bettman explained.
The statement was made during “Pride Month,” a period dedicated to the celebration and recognition of the LGBTQ community.
When asked about the potential backlash this decision might generate, Bettman acknowledged the potential concerns.
“I agree those are legitimate concerns,” he said.
However, he believes the greater issue lies in the diversion the thematic jerseys have caused.
He said: “But, in the final analysis, all of the efforts and emphasis on the importance of these various causes have been undermined by the distraction in terms of which teams, which players (don’t wear the jerseys). This way, we are keeping the focus on the game. On the specialty nights, we’re going to be focused on the cause.”
Bettman assured that the Pride Nights and other special events are not going anywhere.
The observances that usually take place during these nights will continue, albeit without the themed jerseys during the warmup period.
The league will still produce and sell the various jerseys, despite this new guidance.
Bettman’s decision has a clear objective: to center attention back on the game and the causes they’re trying to support, and away from the controversy over themed jerseys.
The focus of these specialty nights, as he states, will now return to the causes they aim to highlight, in an effort to avoid distraction and ensure these issues receive the appropriate recognition.
