Pittsburgh Penguins captain and the (presumed) face of the NHL, Sidney Crosby, spoke to ESPN regarding Russia's anti-gay laws. These laws, which limit "demonstrations" that can be as simple as telling people that you are gay or holding the hand of your partner, can get people jail time – and won't be waived for the Olympics, athletes, or spectators from other nations. Many NHLers have voiced their point of view on Russia's laws, and now Crosby has let his opinion be known:
For me growing up in Canada, my view has always been that way. I think that everyone has an equal right to play and I think we've been supportive of that. With the Olympics and the controversy around that I think those decisions and those laws aren't necessarily something that I agree with personally … their laws and their views.
Crosby is currently in Alberta attending try-outs for Team Canada. It's assured that he'll have a spot on the team, and it's a team made up of many players who support the You Can Play movement.
It's important that the face of the league, as well as the sport's best player, has come out against Russia's draconian laws and has stated their support for gay athletes. There is a spotlight on Russia right now, and anything that the NHL and its players can do to make it burn brighter is a huge step toward equality.
