Report: Sharks’ forward Ward supports NFL anthem protestors

But, will he join them in taking a knee? What would be your reaction if he did?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: Sharks’ forward Ward supports NFL anthem protestors
Keystone Press

San Jose Sharks veteran Joel Ward has experienced racism his entire life. Growing up as a young boy in Toronto, he heard the hurtful words and insults of opponents whenever he was on the ice. 

“I had no clue what the words meant until my parents educated me about what was going on in my surroundings.,” said Ward in an exclusive interview with The Mercury News. I” was just a kid who fell in love with the game and picked up a hockey stick. I didn’t really look at it as color,” Ward said. “As I got older and looked across the locker rooms and dressings rooms, I realized I’m the only black kid in the whole arena.

Now, as one of the few black athletes in the NHL, Ward is in the unique position to take a stand against racism by joining his fellow athletes in the NFL in protest against racism and police brutality in the United States. But, will he do it? Or does he consider it an insult to the flag? Ward, who is a Canadian citizen, admits that he hasn’t considered kneeling for the anthem, but that he wouldn’t rule out the idea.

“I’ve experienced a lot of racism myself in hockey and on a day-to-day occurrence. I haven’t really sat down to think about it too much yet, but I definitely wouldn’t say no to it.”

So will he or won’t he? The team’s management group has also let Ward know that he has the team’s support in whatever decision he ends up making. General manager Doug Wilson has spoken with Ward explicitly about the matter. “Doug’s been unbelievable,” Ward said. “He agrees that it’s freedom of speech. Obviously, he’s aware of what’s going on. I’ve let him know how I feel about the whole issue and he’s been open to listening and offering support.”

So, again… will he or won’t he?