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."

POLL
AVRIL 1 \| 28 ANSWERS Subban calls out media while saying athletes should not be pushed into activism Do you agree with Subban's comments?
100 percent	18	64.3 %
No, he's coming at this all wrong	9	32.1 %
I'm not sure	1	3.6 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with defenseman Zach Werenski (8) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

8 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Matthew Tkachuk Drawing Heated Criticism For Decision To Play In Four Nations Finale

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

10 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Paul Maurice Breaks Silence on Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Status Ahead of Panthers Game Tomorrow Night

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team United States at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

12 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Video Captures Jon Cooper Sending a Message to McDavid and Marner Ahead of OT Game-Winning Goal

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates scoring in overtime to win with defenseman Devon Toews (5) and defenseman Cale Makar (8) and forward Mitch Marner (16) against Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

14 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Connor McDavid Makes his Feelings Clear on the Passing of the Torch from Sidney Crosby

Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) controls the puck during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

15 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Brandon Hagel Puts the Final Nail in the Coffin After Latest Shot at the Tkachuk Brothers and Team USA

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) stops Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

17 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Brady Tkachuk and Insider Both Give Devastating Update On Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Situation

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brad Marchand (63) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

18 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Brad Marchand Puts the Tkachuk Brothers on Blast Following Championship Win

Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) and forward Anthony Cirelli (71) try and find the loose puck during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Feb 20 | By Graham Montgomery