Antoine Roussel has slammed brothers Eric and Marc Staal, saying their refusal to wear a Pride jersey is a gross lack of intelligence.
In a feel-good milk frenzy during Friday’s episode of La Poche Bleue, the former National Hockey League player returned to the controversy caused by the two brothers’ decision not to attend Thursday night’s Florida Panthers warm-up because of Pride Night and she should have worn a special jersey.
They cited religious reasons for their decision.
“I apologize for the term, but you don’t always have to let the Lord rule your life [le Seigneur], Roussel started. You don’t take responsibility for your decisions, you hide behind religion and you don’t have integrity in the sense that someone else makes the decisions for you.
“To me it’s a gross lack of intelligence if you behave like that. When I think of the Staals, two guys come to mind who aren’t necessarily bright.
Martin Chevalier / JdeM
Antoine Rousel
Absurd
The two brothers justified their decision in a Panthers press release.
However, after the meeting, a journalist asked Eric Staal why he made that decision when he wore a jersey of the same type with the Canadiens in 2021.
His answer: “I’ve never worn a sweater like that.”
And yet, a video quickly circulated showing the eldest of the Staal brothers jumping onto the ice wearing a powder blue jumper adorned with a CH logo and numbers in the colors of the rainbow.
“He didn’t have the balls [couilles] doing it in Montreal because he thought it would get media coverage,” Roussel said.
“Of course people remember it. Don’t take people for suitcases,” added Pascal Leclaire, who was the other guest on the show.
For the record, the jersey is very real as it was then sold in a charity auction for the sum of $750.
Screenshot from TVA Sports
Irrefutable proof that Eric Staal has already worn a Pride jersey during his time in Montreal. It was during warm-up before a game against the Ottawa Senators on May 1, 2021.
Provorov, the first
It’s a file that’s becoming a hot potato for the NHL. Earlier this week, the Chicago Blackhawks decided not to wear the jersey. So did San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer last weekend, also citing religious reasons.
It appears to be a consequence of the decision by the Philadelphia Flyers’ Ivan Provorov, who decided not to wear the jersey last January, always for the same reason.
“I almost have more respect for Provorov for doing it first,” Roussel hammered out, continuing his diatribe about the Staal brothers’ case. In their case, it bothers me because they are guys who follow the little train.
“He [Eric] totally without integrity, especially since he did it in Montreal. It really bothered me. These players hide behind their religion.
A difference
Pascal Leclaire was more measured but still finished behind his former rival. The former goalkeeper lamented the self-centeredness of many players.
“I think players today forget that they represent more than their little person. You represent a sport, an organization, a community, a city where you play.
Leclaire believes the decision to wear the jersey goes far beyond belief.
“I agree that everyone has the right to make their own decisions. But at the same time, those fifteen minutes of putting on a sweater while warming up can have such a positive impact on people. I’m really disappointed in players who don’t do that because they can’t see beyond their little person and their religion.”