Things don't get any better for P.K. Subban...
“Even a charismatic personality like Subban has to be called out for this clear misstep.”
HockeyFeed
ESPN is just hoping fans watching their broadcast will forget. However, the comments made by P.K. Subban on Tuesday night are still making headlines on Friday. The former NHL defenseman and now analyst has been heavily criticized for fat-shaming pop star Lizzo when commenting the Toronto Maple Leafs’ performance during Game 1 of the second round of the playoffs agains the Florida Panthers. ESPN co-host John Buccigross explained that Toronto needed to “pack a lunch,” referencing the team’s lack of energy, to which Subban answered:
“Listen, maybe they need to pack a Lizzo-sized lunch,” Subban said, referring to the plus-size Grammy-winning rapper.
Fans called out Subban for his fat-shaming comments, and some even demanded that he be fired from ESPN.
Adam Proteau isn’t suggesting as blunt as that demand, only stating in his weekly recap around the NHL that Subban should apologize for his comments:
“There are much easier analogies to make than the one Subban used Tuesday. It’s not as if he were providing any insight with that comment. It only disappoints a hockey community that is continually attempting to attract people of all body types and backgrounds.
It was just unnecessary on a fundamental level, and even a charismatic personality like Subban has to be called out for this clear misstep. We’re glad he’s providing a perspective different than we usually get from run-of-the-mill NHL commentators, but this attempt at levity went over like a lead balloon. An apology and a learned lesson are due from him.”
However on Wednesday for the first game of the series between the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils, Subban was back ESPN for commentary during the intermissions. He did not address or apologize for his comments.
Might be too late now, but is this the situation of better late than never?
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