Subban calls out media while saying athletes should not be pushed into activism

PUBLICATION

TJ Tucker
April 1, 2023 (3:35 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Former Norris Trophy-winning NHL defenceman P.K. Subban is weighing in on recent controversy in the league revolving around Pride Nights. In an interview with Reuters, Subban said no one should be forced into activism.

"We cannot push everyone to be an activist, we need to be very careful. I feel people pick and choose what they want to talk about and I don't like it when we put the onus on athletes to be activists."

A few NHL players have decided not to wear their team's Pride Night jersey this season. Most due to religious reasons, although there is some concern for Russian players given anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in that country. Subban said wearing or not wearing the jersey isn't the point he's trying to make.

"They don't need to be activists."

"I'm not saying it is right or wrong to wear the (Pride)jersey, we have just got to be very careful how we push players to do things.

"You can support the LGBTQ community without having to wear a hat, a t-shirt or a jersey."

Subban retired from the NHL after 13 seasons in 2022. Since then, he's been a busy person, involved in broadcasting, as well as being an ambassador for Kraft Hockeyville. The program calls itself an opportunity for communities to "make the game more accessible and inclusive for all." Subban rejected any notion that fans not seeing a player wear a pride jersey would make them feel like they weren't welcome in an arena. Instead, he blamed media pushing "certain narratives."

"The people that write the articles, the people that push certain narratives in the media they have to be held accountable. We have to be very, very careful about the way we perceive a moment."

"There's many players in the league that have started programs - why aren't the media talking about that."

"The frustrating thing for me is there are people in the media who have the responsibility to do their job a certain way and they don't."

Subban was very vocal when brother Jordan Subban was on the receiving end of a perceived racial gesture while playing in the ECHL. At that time. Subban said "We need fans and everybody to make this a place where everyone feels comfortable."