On February 13th, 2020, the San Jose Sharks held their annual Pride Night game at the SAP Center. This event is meant to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community, and the team wears special jerseys for the occasion. However, this year, one player, James Reimer, opted out of wearing the Pride Night jersey and sitting out warmups against the New York Islanders.
Reimer, a goaltender for the Sharks, cited personal reasons for his decision. He stated that he supports the LGBTQ+ community and the message behind Pride Night, but he did not feel comfortable wearing the jersey or participating in warmups. Reimer did not elaborate on his reasons, but he did express regret for any offense or harm his decision may have caused.
The Sharks organization also released a statement in response to Reimer’s decision. They emphasized that they fully support Pride Night and the LGBTQ+ community, but they also respect Reimer’s right to make his own choices. The team stated that they would continue to work towards creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all players and fans.
Reactions to Reimer’s decision were mixed. Some fans and members of the LGBTQ+ community expressed disappointment and frustration, feeling that Reimer’s decision was a missed opportunity to show support and solidarity. Others defended Reimer’s right to make his own choices and emphasized that supporting the LGBTQ+ community is not limited to wearing a jersey or participating in a specific event.
This incident highlights the ongoing conversation around allyship and support for marginalized communities in sports. While events like Pride Night can be important symbols of inclusion and acceptance, it is also important to recognize that true allyship requires ongoing effort and action. It is up to individual players and teams to decide how they want to show their support, but ultimately, it is the impact of their actions that matters most.
