Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

No Room For Racism In Hockey: Devante Smith-Pelly Incident

Devante Smith-Pelly

Living in the 21st Century, people have become more “socially aware” of human rights and frowned upon racism. After all, the Founding Fathers wrote in the United States Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Meaning that anyone and everyone – no matter race, creed, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that can distinguish a person from another – has the right to succeed and has the right to be treated equally in anything they may do anywhere they may do it. Which is why there is no room for racism in hockey.

No Room For Racism In Hockey

Hockey fans like to think of the NHL as an inclusive place. The NHL has many different players from many different backgrounds helping to enrichen the history of a legendary league that has played host to some of society’s more appalling moments. The NHL has started a campaign called “Hockey is For Everyone“. Encouraging all people to get involved in the game. Not to mention, including social change.

As Don Cherry likes to say, “Hockey players are some of the classiest people you’ll ever meet!” Love or hate him, Grapes is right on this one! Hockey players love teammates no matter who they are! In fact, hockey players will go to battle for their teammates when someone tries to challenge that! And that is why hockey is such a special sport. In the many years, I have spent around the game, I have seen first-hand the comradeship that players have with their teammates. That is why hockey is the best sport in the world! That is why parents spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to send their kids to summer hockey camps. And that is why many people will continue to play the game for years to come!

The NHL’s Past Faults

Yes, the NHL did have a colour barrier at one time. Then Willie O’Ree came into the game and that all changed. Of course, there were haters and as our society started to become open and shift away from the ridiculous Jim Crow Laws that created an unnecessary divide across the nation for no good reason, people started to get their ducks in a line and shift away from their racist ways. Our society has been blessed to have such influential leaders as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leaders that have come out and said that we as a society need to change our ways. For the most part, the majority of society has listened.

The Devante Smith-Pelly Incident

Last night, during Black History Month, four “fans” from Chicago were ejected after taunting Devante Smith-Pelly while he was in the penalty box. Washington Post reporter says, according to a Washington Capitals spokesperson, the fans beside the box were chanting “basketball, basketball, basketball.”

The Aftermath

Following the game, the Chicago Blackhawks released a statement apologizing to Smith-Pelly and the Washington Capitals organization:

Washington Capitals coach Barry Trotz had some things to say in his post-game press conference:

The NHL quickly issued a statement on the incident in Chicago saying:

“NEW YORK – ‘Last night in Chicago, individuals directed racial taunts and abuse at Washington Capitals player Devante Smith-Pelly,’ said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. ‘The National Hockey League condemns this unacceptable and reprehensible behaviour. The League fully supports the actions taken by the United Center and the Blackhawks to eject the offenders and would expect the same response to any similarly unacceptable behaviour at any of our arenas.

‘While this incident was isolated in nature, no player, coach, official or fan should ever have to endure such abuse at one of our games. The League will take steps to have our clubs remind all stakeholders that they are entitled to enjoy a positive environment – free from unacceptable, inappropriate, disruptive, inconsiderate or unruly behaviours or actions and may not engage in conduct deemed detrimental to that experience.'”

The Time Is Always Right To Do What Is Right

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,” once said Martin Luther King Jr.

Last night, and even today, it is uplifting to see how not only the NHL, Chicago Blackhawks and the Washington Capitals, but the fans as well, have stepped up to the racism. The support that fans from all around the globe have sent to Smith-Pelly is truly special and personally, makes me proud to be a hockey fan. It is times like these that show us how great the hockey community truly is when hatred and bigotry decide to rear its ugly head.

It is times like these where sometimes I like to think Martin Lurther King Jr’s dream has, in some capacity, come through.

The Last Word

In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”

Today, that unarmed truth and unconditional love did have the last word.

 

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