Olbermann, Ingraham, Among Others From Outside Hockey React to Reimer

This story is still making headlines beyond hockey.

Last Saturday, San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer decided to sit out of warm-ups during the team’s Pride Night. In his statement, the 35-year-old cited his Christian beliefs for not wanting to sport the team’s Pride jerseys.

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

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

On social media, many high-profile people shared their opinions on the matter. Here’s a representative spectrum of the diverse views.

Let’s start with a couple surprise ones from outside of hockey.

Liberal pundit and former Sportscenter host Keith Olbermann poked fun at Reimer while reacting to the news.

https://t.co/ESLGXJemAQ pic.twitter.com/vzQbfI71rs

— Keith Olbermann⌚️ (@KeithOlbermann) March 18, 2023

Two-time NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver Doug Baldwin Jr. mentioned his faith while disagreeing with Reimer’s choice:

His math doesn’t add up. This is not about Christian beliefs, this is about his fear.

Jesus said “Love your neighbor as yourself” and then died for all of us because none of us are sinless.

Love does not demand it’s own way. This isn’t Love. https://t.co/UoSOEPFhHa

— Doug Baldwin Jr 🌹 (@DougBaldwinJr) March 20, 2023

National Women’s Soccer League player Bethany Balcer also talked about her faith in reaction to Reimer’s decision.

Just a reminder that we are all not like this, and this is a huge reason why I don’t want to associate myself with the “evangelical Christians”. God made queer people in His image, so to not celebrate them as a human being is to rid yourself of an opportunity to praise God https://t.co/5DMSjoOrHE

— Bethany Balcer (@bethanybalcer) March 20, 2023

In hockey, many spoke against Reimer’s decision.

Madison Packer, current captain of the PHF’s Metropolitan Riveters, had this to say about Reimer’s religious justification:

Loling at the religious justification for refusing to support the LGBTQ+ community. I went to catholic school for 14 years, my grandparents are members of the Church of Christ, my name & face are in the Catholic League Hall of Fame. The difference? My God loves all his children.

— Madison Packer (@madison_packer_) March 19, 2023

Brian Burke, the current Pittsburgh Penguins President of Hockey Operations, has long been a strong advocate of LGBTQ+ rights.

A statement from Brian Burke after James Reimer refused to wear the Sharks’ Pride Night warmup jersey. pic.twitter.com/TFYetnQdZU

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 20, 2023

Brock McGillis, a former junior player and among the first openly gay professional men’s hockey players, is a strong advocate for creating more LGBTQ+ inclusion in hockey.

There is a dire need for humanization and recognition of impact on not only fans but also employees and teammates.

The gay, bi or trans teammate knows you hate him for being himself.

When are we going to humanize and educate? https://t.co/jz314xLNfl

— Brock McGillis (@brock_mcgillis) March 18, 2023

On the San Jose Sharks’ own broadcast, NBC’s Tara Slone voiced her frustration with James Reimer’s actions.

.@TaraSlone and @BrodieNBCS discuss James Reimer not wearing a Pride jersey during warm-ups pic.twitter.com/uqxz3wRn2A

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) March 19, 2023

Nashville Predators 2020 third-rounder Luke Prokop put out a statement. Prokop made history in July of 2021 as the first player under NHL contract to come out as gay.

pic.twitter.com/kCYnEbcqqR

— luke prokop (@lukeprokop_6) March 21, 2023

There were many, however, who did voice their support for Reimer’s decision to not take part in the warmup.

From outside of hockey, evangelist Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, stood up for Reimer:

I appreciate that goalie James Reimer of the @NHL's @SanJoseSharks isn’t afraid to publicly stand for his Christian beliefs and won’t let an agenda he doesn’t agree with be forced on him. https://t.co/JQ40cEeVcQ

— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) March 21, 2023

Steve Cortes—a campaign adviser to Donald Trump and contributor for Fox News, CNN, and CNBC—vocalized support for Reimer.

Good for James! A man of intellect, faith, and conviction. https://t.co/47vX3Zayg7

— Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) March 20, 2023

Right-wing political pundit Collin Rugg offered his two cents: This is what courage looks like.”

Jon Root, former in-arena host with the San Jose Sharks, took to Twitter to back the goaltender.

Christian & #SJSharks  goaltender James Reimer is refusing to wear a Pride jersey tonight.

As Christians, we need to have James’ back as much or more as we did when #Flyers Ivan Provorov refused to wear one, while showing Biblical love with truth to our LGBTQ neighbors. pic.twitter.com/sFM9RkT5sr

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) March 18, 2023

Fox News even ran a story about the situation.

Back to hockey, they had nine-time NHL All Star and former San Jose Sharks forward Jeremy Roenick share his opinion on Reimer’s decision with host Laura Ingraham.

Roenick criticized how the San Jose Sharks and NHL handled Reimer’s decision: “They threw him to the wolves of social media, especially in one of the most liberal and probably most abusive areas in the country. I don’t think that’s fair. As a teammate, I would’ve been pretty mad at that.”

Ingraham said of Reimer and his forerunner Ivan Provorov: “They’re crucifying these men.”

James Reimer was thrown to the wolves of social media: Jeremy Roenick pic.twitter.com/gnGX5zI6Fp

— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) March 21, 2023

This story is still developing.