Report: Another NHLer considering anthem protest

When Tampa Bay Lightning forward J.T. Brown raised his first into the air in defiance during the signing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to his team’s game against the Florida Panthers, he became the first NHLer to publicly join his fellow athletes in the NFL in silent protest. Brown and dozens of NFLers have chosen to kneel or raise their fist during the national anthem as a way to raise awareness against racism and police brutality in the United States. Now, a second NHLer has come forward and expressed his interest in joining Brown in protest.

According to a report from Washington Post reporter Isabelle Khurshudyan, Washington Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly has reached out to Brown to commend him on his actions and has admitted that while he’s considered protesting, he isn’t sure yet whether or not he will.

Also, for what it’s worth. Pelly’s teammates were quick to come to his side in support:

It’ll be interesting to see whether or not Smith-Pelly, a Canadian, decides to go through with his protest or not. Either way, it’s hard to escape the politically charged times that we live in… even on the ice.