Just a few days ago, Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds had a banana thrown at him during his shootout attempt in a preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings in London, Ontario.
The hockey world went up in arms, offering cash rewards for anyone with information on the “Racist Pig” who threw the banana.
Monday night, Simmonds was on the other end of a pretty disgusting and unacceptable act of phobia.
Watch the video provided by Ryan Lambert, and it’s not hard to tell what was said:
http://www.twitvid.com/RBM68 (link will open in a new window)
So a few nights ago, Simmonds was the victim of a very racist act and had the full support of the hockey world behind him and rooting for him, and this is how he responds to that support? By clearly throwing a homophobic slur at another player and getting caught on video?
So what if Sean Avery really is gay? I wouldn’t doubt it. He’s got his own fashion line, loves women’s handbags and certainly dresses the part. It’s not his fault if he is, and there’s nothing wrong if that’s the case. But how is that any different than someone calling Simmonds the “n-word” or doing what that fan did a few nights ago?
Then-New York Islanders defenseman James Wisniewski was suspended two games last October for this gesture toward Avery, which is comparable to what Simmonds said Monday night with the clarity of the video taken.
Looks like Simmonds is going to fit in just fine in Philadelphia.
