The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has called on the National Hockey League (NHL) to take action after Wayne Simmonds of the Philadelphia Flyers was shown on video clearly shouting an anti-gay slur during a pre-season game last Monday night.
In the pre-season exhibition game between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers, Rangers winger Sean Avery and Flyers winger Wayne Simmonds got into a scuffle. As Simmonds went back to his bench, he turned around and was seen on camera, clearly shouting an anti-gay slur at Avery.
Tuesday, the NHL released a statement saying, “Commentary directed at the race or ethnicity of other participants in the game (or even non-participants), or that is otherwise socially or morally inappropriate or potentially hurtful — including as it may relate to sexual orientation — is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Since there are conflicting accounts of what transpired on the ice, we have been unable to substantiate with the necessary degree of certainty what was said and by whom. Specifically, Flyers player Wayne Simmonds has expressly denied using the homophobic slur he is alleged to have said. Additionally, none of the on-ice officials close to the altercation in question heard any inappropriate slurs uttered by either of the primary antagonists. In light of this, we are unable at this time to take any disciplinary action with respect to last night’s events.”
Mike Thompson, acting president of GLAAD criticizing the NHL response, said
“It is abundantly clear from video footage that an instance of anti-gay bias occurred. League officials should revisit this matter and take action immediately. The NHL is severely out of touch at a time when leagues including the MLB and the NBA are taking stands against anti-gay bullying and steps to ensure their sports are welcoming to all players, coaches and fans.”
