Kelly Hrudey blasts NHL for lack of action on Jacob Blake shooting

Former NHL player and sports broadcaster Kelly Hrudey says he’s disappointed in the NHL for not doing more to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

During tonight’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, Hrudey said he’s ashamed that NHL games were still being played Wednesday night as players in the NBA and and some MLB teams boycotted their games to draw attention to the racial justice movement.

“I’m disappointed that we’re talking about hockey tonight,” he said. “I don’t think we should be here. I think the NHL should postpone the games.”

LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK
“I don’t think we should be here.” @KellyHrudey
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/c4HZrWqCo5

— Here’s Your Replay ⬇️ (@TheReplayGuy) August 26, 2020

Instead of discussing hockey, Hrudey believes the time would be better used for families to discuss Black Lives Matter at home.

“For myself, instead of watching hockey I’d prefer to be having this conversation with my family.”

• See also:
  • Seattle Mariners players are boycotting tonight’s game in protest of Jacob Blake shooting
  • Brewers and Reds become first MLB teams to boycott game for Jacob Blake
  • Milwaukee Bucks players refuse to play game in protest of Jacob Blake shooting

Kenny Smith, former NBA player and basketball commentator, also made strong statement Wednesday evening when he walked off the set of a live broadcast in support of players who were boycotting to draw attention to Black Lives Matter.

“As a Black man, as a former player, I think it’s best for me to support the players and not be here tonight,” he said as he unclipped his microphone.

Kenny Smith just walked out on NBA on TNT in support of the players’ boycott pic.twitter.com/N4Ix6CPTLG

— Chris Montano (@gswchris) August 26, 2020

Professional athletes have called for action this week following the shooting of Jacob Blake. Blake was shot by a police officer in Wisconsin Sunday in front of his three children.