NHL player cites Bible, faith in Jesus Crist to explain refusal to wear LGBTQ-themed jersey

An NHL player and his team are facing both praise and backlash over his decision to not participate in the league’s Pride Night celebration this Saturday.

James Reimer, a goaltender for the San Jose Sharks, specifically refused to wear a Pride-themed warmup jersey as per his religious beliefs.

In a statement shared by his loyal team, he said that his decision had nothing to do with hate in his heart. It had to do simply with his religious convictions.

View the full statement below:

A statement from Goaltender, James Reimer: pic.twitter.com/GwhWxhbmb4

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 18, 2023

“Under the umbrella of NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone initiative, the San Jose Sharks have chosen to wear jerseys in support of the LGBTQIA+ community tonight. 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,” he said.

“I have no hate in my heart for anyone, and I have always strived to treat everyone that I encounter with respect and kindness. 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 my life,” he added.

“I strongly believe that every person has value and worth, and the LGBTQIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed in all aspects in the game of hockey,” Reimer concluded.

Yet despite him going out of his way to stress that he has no issues with LGBT members of society participating in hockey, the backlash was swift. And not surprisingly, much of it came from so-called “journalists” (writers, editors, etc.).

Here’s a staff writer for The Athletic:

Surprised you’d endorse this as an organization. Some sign of support.

— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) March 18, 2023

Here’s a “15-year combat sports writer and broadcaster”:

I don’t see what’s hard about celebrating love & equality for everybody.

Sad times. Sad league. Sad organization.

— Ryan McKinnell (@RyanMcKinnell) March 18, 2023

Here’s a “Daily mail cricket correspondent”:

This is unacceptable both from the player and the club to put this out on official feed. This man should have no place in the NHL

— Paul Newman (@Paul_NewmanDM) March 19, 2023

Here’s a “freelance journalist”:

Someone tell him that since the bible designated Sunday the Lord’s day, he clearly shouldn’t be playing any Sundays and his pay will be docked accordingly.

— Brennan Leffler (@brennanleffler) March 18, 2023

Here’s a “freelance speechwriter/journalist”:

You should have let the guy’s agent release this. And disassociate yourself from his ignorance.

— Peter O’Neil (@poneilinOttawa) March 19, 2023

Here’s a GameSpot writer:

pic.twitter.com/ASTk5cVNxt

— Lan Pitts (@pittsed_off) March 19, 2023

Here’s a “sports journalist”:”

Wikipedia never disappoints. pic.twitter.com/uqquOSxwUT

— Michael LoRé (@michaellore) March 18, 2023

The examples go on for days.

Some regular, everyday Americans also bashed Reimer and his team, but it’s just notable how so-called “journalists” always manage to join the often hateful pile-on whenever anybody fails to abide by the authoritarian diktats of the LGBT community.

Meanwhile, the team released its own statement pledging its own support for Pride Night but also noting that it respects Reimer’s decision to boast his own beliefs.

“Continuing a long-standing commitment of allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community, Sharks Sports & Entertainment is extremely proud to host our 2023 Sharks Pride Night. This week’s events, culminating with tonight’s game against the New York islanders, reinforce our organization’s values and dedication to an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all guests in each of our venues,” the statement reads.

“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,” it continues.

It concludes with the team once again stressing that “we will not waver in our support of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Look:

A statement from the San Jose Sharks: pic.twitter.com/nnhkcBS07V

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 18, 2023

This statement also provoked backlash.

That being said, there has also been plenty of praise from those who recognize that true tolerance means accepting all views, even those you disagree with.

“James, thank you for standing up for your beliefs. It seems that many who oppose your civil stance don’t believe you should be employed. So much for being ‘inclusive.’ That’s called ‘discrimination’ and ‘tyranny,’” one supporter tweeted.

See more praise below:

Thank you James. True courage in 2023

— TML59 (@TML591) March 19, 2023

Good for you James! Thank you. And btw, wish more people had your b***s.

— Donna Schwartz (@DonnaS8080) March 19, 2023

To James Reimer – thank you for daring to be honest and for living your connections!

— Andy G (@AndG19253313) March 19, 2023

Thank you James for standing up for what the word says and for standing firm in Christ! God Bless you.

— Roll Tide (@Dogzallez) March 19, 2023

Thank you, James, for standing strong in your faith, and setting a good example in the face of the ignorant, vitriolic condemnation you’re receiving from the hateful, self-righteous, intolerant left.

— Noone_Important (@No_1Imp0rtant) March 19, 2023