Gay Blackhawks writer Chris Hine speaks out about Andrew Shaw slur

Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw could face disciplinary action from the NHL after he appeared to use a homophobic slur during Game 4 of his team’s playoff series against the St. Louis Blues Tuesday night. Chris Hine, a gay sportswriter who covers the Blackhawks, shared his thoughts on the outburst via Twitter.

Hine said he has a good relationship with Shaw, but he was understandably offended by what Shaw allegedly yelled.

As some of you may know, I'm a gay sportswriter — who covers the #Blackhawks. I like Andrew Shaw and have a good relationship with him …

— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) April 20, 2016

But what he said tonight was inexcusable and is one of the reasons why gay athletes everywhere stay closeted and often live lives of torment

— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) April 20, 2016

Shaw appeared to be yelling at the officials after he was sent to the penalty box late in the game. He flipped the bird in addition to whatever derogatory remark he made. You can see the video here.

Following Chicago’s loss, Shaw was asked if he used a homophobic slur.

“I mean, emotions are high, I really don’t know what’s said,” he told Chris Kuc of The Chicago Tribune. “I was obviously upset with the call being that late in the game (as) it doesn’t give us a chance to tie it up.”

Hine had every right to be upset. Unfortunately, this has happened many times in professional sports. We saw it with Rajon Rondo when he was ejected earlier this season. Two years ago, Kobe Bryant was fined by the NBA for berating a referee with a homophobic slur (video here). This has to stop.