San Jose Sharks winger Joel Ward says he would consider kneeling during the national anthem as a protest of racism.
Ward is one of about 30 black players in the NHL and says he has experienced racism in hockey throughout his life. The 36-year-old Canadian told the San Jose Mercury News he wouldn’t be opposed to kneeling to make a statement.
“It’s definitely something I wouldn’t cross out,” Ward told the Mercury News when asked if he would consider kneeling.
“I’ve experienced a lot of racism myself in hockey and on a day-to-day occurrence. I haven’t really sat down to think about it too much yet, but I definitely wouldn’t say no to it.”
Ward was born in Ontario and his parents are from Barbados. Even though he is not American, he believes the movement has meaning to him.
“I’ve dealt with [racism] on both sides (of the border). It’s just about standing up for what’s right,” he told the Mercury News.
No NHL player has kneeled for the anthem. The first MLB player to kneel was Bruce Maxwell, who did so over the weekend.
Ward, who had 29 points last season, says he has the support of his head coach and GM, who both believe in the first amendment.
