Flyers’ Simmonds weighs in on anthem protests

A few players are expressing their intention to protest, is it a matter of time before full teams join in?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Flyers’ Simmonds weighs in on anthem protests
KeyStone Press

It has already been reported that San Jose Sharks veteran Joel Ward is considering taking the knee during the US national anthem, in part due to the racism he has experienced in professional sports.

Flyers winger Wayne Simmonds was asked about the matter and here’s his response.

“I definitely back Wardo. I know Wardo very well,” Simmonds said to Philly.com Wednesday at the Flyers’ practice facility in Voorhees. “What’s going on now is a shame. I definitely back his statements. It doesn’t mean I’m going to kneel, and it doesn’t mean I’m not going to kneel.” 

He’s clearly undecided on the matter, but he hasn’t shut the door on the possibility of kneeling with Ward when the two square off on October 4th for their respective season openers.

One could imagine that it would be very difficult and a significant display of strength to kneel alone. Simmonds taking a knee in solidarity with Ward would certainly be a respectful move in today’s athletes’ fight against racism.

Source: Philly.com