James Reimer

2023 - 3 - 19

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

San Jose Sharks' James Reimer boycotts pregame warmup over ... (The Guardian)

The San Jose Sharks goalie said the team's decision to wear Pride-themed jerseys in support of the LGBTQ community runs counter to his religious beliefs.

At the same time, I hope that there’s another handful of people in management or ownership that respect me for standing up for what I believe in and that’s a big part of who I am.” “Religion and respect are not in conflict with each other, and we are certainly disappointed when religion is used as a reason to not support our community,” the organization said. “In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Hive"

Sharks' James Reimer refuses to wear team's Pride Night jersey (Daily Hive)

During last night's San Jose Sharks Pride Night initiative, Sharks goaltender James Reimer refused to join the team for warmups, citing a personal choice.

“I think you could talk to him and ask him if I treated him any different. “I strongly believe that every person has value and worth, and the LGBTGIA+ community, like all others, should be welcomed in all aspects of the game of hockey.” And yet, people would understand if I wouldn’t be able to wear a Muslim jersey in warm-ups, promoting the Muslim faith, being a Christian and a follow in Christ. In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life,” Reimer continued. “For all 13 years of my NHL career, I have been a Christian – not just in title, but in how I choose to live my life daily. I have a personal faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins and, in response, asks me to love everyone and follow Him.”

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

James Reimer: Citing Christian faith, San Jose Sharks player ... (CNN)

Citing his Christian faith, San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer said he chose not to wear a pregame warmup jersey in support of the LGBTQIA+ community ...

“This is not a stance that I was looking to make. With all of you, we can make an impact.” The jersey has a Pride crest and a “Love Wins” patch on them and San Jose said it is “extremely proud to host” the “Pride Night” festivities in support of the LGBTQIA+ community, adding that its dedicated to “an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all guests.”

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Image courtesy of "SFGate"

Sharks goalie James Reimer refuses to wear Pride-themed jersey (SFGate)

San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer refused to wear a LGBTQIA+ Pride-themed warmup jersey, citing his Christian values.

The team created a Pride warmup jersey, served up rainbow-colored sushi and partnered with [Adolescent Counseling Services](https://www.acs-teens.org/), a local nonprofit that supports LGBTQIA+ youth. [an official statement](https://twitter.com/sanjosesharks/status/1637185613442215937?s=46&t=Oi0EIR8Okwyiq_q3KKOyqA) that he would not be taking part in the festivities and refused to wear the Pride-themed warmup jersey. [San Jose Sharks](https://www.sfgate.com/sharks/)’ Pride Night, which took place Saturday at SAP Center, was supposed to be a fun and meaningful event.

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Image courtesy of "The Globe and Mail"

James Reimer is the bad guy so that the NHL can be on every side (The Globe and Mail)

James Reimer's statement about refusing to wear Pride-themed practice jerseys has succeeded in doing one thing – taking the heat off his bosses.

The really important thing is that whatever the players decide to do, they should personally take the heat for it. The NHL is also for free speech. The NHL is also for religious exemptions to its inclusion policy. The NHL is for inclusion. If the goal here is proclaiming the league’s commitment to inclusion, the program is having the opposite effect. The players should do whatever they feel. Now it’s the winding path through politics that the NHL has settled on. One is left imagining what went down in the dressing room. Based on recent history in other entertainment businesses, the next step should have been the team and the league tripping over themselves to apologize and beg forgiveness. The players came out in their regular gear. When a player first arrives in the bigs, they have a charming, can’t-believe-I-made-it-here quality. I can think of a hundred players who, if they’d written the same thing, I’d think, “Yeah.

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Image courtesy of "Sportskeeda"

Who is James Reimer? Know everything about the San Jose Sharks ... (Sportskeeda)

James Reimer, the San Jose Sharks goalie, recently made headlines for his decision not to wear a jersey in support of the LGBTQIA+ community during a game.

In 2013, he had the best save percentage in He went on to play an instrumental role in the team's success. It is crucial that we continue to support and promote these initiatives while also respecting the individual beliefs and values of all involved. Regardless of one's personal views on this matter, it is important to recognize that everyone has the right to their own beliefs and values. He stated that he has no hate in his heart for anyone and that he has always strived to treat everyone with respect and kindness. However, Reimer also made it clear that he would not endorse something that is counter to his personal convictions, which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in his life.

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Image courtesy of "Toronto Star"

Opinion | The LGBTQ community and Brian Burke deserved better ... (Toronto Star)

The ex-Leafs goalie said his faith wouldn't allow him to wear a rainbow-themed jersey. Religion has been used as a skirt for bigotry for an awfully long ...

That is a gap in humanity that Reimer could have bridged, you’d hope, and been better for it. [James Reimer.](https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2023/03/18/former-maple-leafs-goalie-james-reimer-refuses-to-wear-sharks-pride-night-warm-up-jerseys.html) He’s had a [decent NHL career,](https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/players/148806) especially for someone from the tiny town of Morweena, Man. And all these years later, the best lesson of Brian Burke doesn’t seem to have quite reached James Reimer. He went to the wall for that kid. What bothers me is this: I accept that Reimer is indeed someone who cares about other people, reaches out and asks what he can do to help. And that’s why I feel bad for him. A couple of weeks later, the New York Rangers decided not to wear the planned Pride-themed jerseys for their night; the New York Islanders didn’t wear Pride jerseys for their night because the franchise only mandates pre-game jerseys for cancer, the military and the Irish, which is certainly a choice. But as the writer and priest Michael Coren put it on a recent podcast about gay rights, “When did this become the test of my faith? Hockey is for everyone, they say, and in the NHL that includes bigots and it can’t be helped, or won’t, depending. Boy, did Burke defend Reimer, in public and in private. Religion has been used as a skirt for bigotry for an awfully long time, and if you want to selectively pick from Biblical teachings, you’re allowed. He said: I think hockey really is for everyone.

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Image courtesy of "NBC Bay Area"

Sharks Goalie James Reimer Declines to Wear Pride Jersey (NBC Bay Area)

San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer didn't take part in pregame warmups Saturday night, saying the team's decision to wear Pride-themed jerseys in support ...

“Religion and respect are not in conflict with each other, and we are certainly disappointed when religion is used as a reason to not support our community,” the organization said. “As an organization, we will not waver in our support of the LGBTQIA+ community and continue to encourage others to engage in active allyship.” Reimer was not slated to start in Saturday night’s home game against the New York Islanders, which is Pride night.

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