Arizona Coyotes defenseman Travis Dermott won’t wear a rainbow ribbon, but says he won’t stop supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Last Saturday, the 26-year-old figure skater became the first National Hockey League (NHL) player to violate the circuit’s guidelines on what hockey players can and cannot do as part of the 2023-2024 themed celebration.
In an interview with The Athletic, Dermott stated that he will no longer wear the rainbow ribbon but intends to continue supporting the community.
“The war is not over yet,” he said. Really not, not in any way. I don’t want to completely withdraw and stop talking about it when something like this happens. However, I need to find the right plan of attack.”
“We shouldn’t step on the track’s toes and start a chicane, but I have to say that I think something like that is important.”
However, according to The Athletic, the NHL is currently reviewing Dermott’s case and has not yet decided whether it will punish the Yotes representative.
“We can assume that the league will prevent us from speaking out,” Dermott also said. We can’t talk.”
On Sunday, player agent Allan Walsh said on Twitter that other NHL players would soon look to emulate the Coyotes defenseman.
Following the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season, the Bettman circuit announced the end of theme nights. These include Pride Night as well as those for Black History, the fight against cancer and support for law enforcement. Pride jerseys caused some controversy last year after several players refused to wear them.