The NHL had announced a new program where a member from each team’s roster would be an ambassador for the You Can Play project, which promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion with respect to the LGBTQ community. And today, the team ambassadors were named. One notable name was Andrew Shaw of the Montreal Canadiens. Shaw was suspended last season while with the Blackhawks for using a homophobic slur during a game. So choosing Shaw raised some eyebrows.
But Shaw chose himself. He explains here …
This pretty well sums up what Andrew Shaw had to say today. pic.twitter.com/srtkvcw68Y
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) February 3, 2017
This too, from Andrew Shaw. pic.twitter.com/W4CCYSRGBe
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) February 3, 2017
Response has been mixed, including the feeling that Shaw volunteering was simply about Q rating and image rehab.
Also important: Andrew Shaw called last April "A dark time for me." He also talked about those who may not get why he is right fit for job. pic.twitter.com/6TgkPQXPxr
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) February 3, 2017
Proud of Andrew Shaw & proud to have him as our YCP @CanadiensMTL ambassador. One mistake shouldn't define you forever if you learn & grow. https://t.co/dRQBS8FziG
— The Chris Mosier (@TheChrisMosier) February 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/lapsedvictorian/status/827643259950338049
(whispers) Andrew Shaw could make amends for his gay slur without having to be the YCP ambassador ok bye
— Kat (@KattyCorner) February 3, 2017
Big opportunity to make strong bridge w/ #LGBTQ #community SHOW us, don't TELL us that u mean it
— scott. (@sdotokay) February 3, 2017
And that, as always, is the key here. Don’t sing it, bring it. Show you’ve learned from your mistakes and set a real example for the You Can Play program. And certainly don’t use those words anymore. You said yourself that words mean more than you think they do, so live by it. You do that, then nobody will worry about the motivation for it. As for the Canadiens appointing him after he volunteered, it certainly brought attention to the program, and that can’t be a bad thing. I can certainly understand why people would be offended or think it’s strange that Shaw is the Canadiens’ representative. Think of it this way: There’s a lot of conversation regarding this now and it’s an opportunity to drive the point home that hockey is an inclusive sport and that anyone can play. If that main point can be advanced through Andrew Shaw’s mistake, then the mission is that much closer to being complete.
