Rangers finally release public statement condemning racism, the last NHL team to do so

Over a week since every other NHL team released a public statement condemning racism following the death of George Floyd, the last NHL team to do so has finally spoken out. The New York Rangers released a brief statement Tuesday, exactly a week after team owner Jim Dolan had sent a second email to employees explaining why the team would not be doing so.

"Every one of us has a role to play in creating a more just and equal society, where there is no racism, bigotry, violence or hate," The Rangers posted on the team's Twitter account. "We stand with all who act for positive change."

Dolan had told employees previously he would not be releasing a statement, despite all other teams in the NHL, as well as several in the NBA, MLB and NFL doing so. In his initial email to staff of Madison Square Garden, Dolan has said "we are not any more qualified than anyone else to offer our opinion on social matters." In a second email to staff, when it was reported that they were meeting without him in attendance to discuss the team's lack of action on the matter, Dolan stated "Yesterday, I made a sincere attempt to provide my perspective on a very difficult issue, one that has no easy answers. I know how important this topic is to so many, and I do not want there to be any confusion about where I as an individual, or we as a company stand. So let me be clear: we vehemently condemn and reject racism against anyone, period. It is against every value that we hold dear."

While the Rangers' statement on the issue was appreciated by many, the team is taking some backlash for taking so long to do so and for making its statement so brief.

À LIRE

Il y a 2 heures  |  Par Patrick Dragon Martin St-Louis sur le point de tasser le jeune Ivan Demidov? Il y a du nouveau

Il y a 3 heures  |  Par Patrick Dragon Annonce surprise de la LNH impliquant quatre joueurs dont Jakub Dobes et la rumeur est confirmée

Il y a 4 heures  |  Par William Nadeau Rumeur : les arbitres vont appliquer une pénalité spéciale lors du prochain match entre le CH et les Sabres

Il y a 5 heures  |  Par William Nadeau La LNH confirme un autre changement d'horaire pour le match du Canadien contre les Sabres

Il y a 5 heures  |  Par Patrick Dragon Coup dur annoncé pour Ivan Demidov avant le match contre les Sabres

Il y a 6 heures  |  Par William Nadeau On se dirige vers une sanction de la LNH après un geste dangereux contre Cole Caufield au Centre Bell

Il y a 7 heures  |  Par William Nadeau Un attaquant du Canadien laisse croire que son parcours avec l'équipe est terminé en pleines séries

Il y a 9 heures  |  Par William Nadeau Martin St-Louis cause la surprise en nommant un joueur comme responsable de la défaite du Canadien

PLUS DE CHRONIQUES