Brian Burke BETS on Sidney Crosby goals during NHL All-Star Game in answer to Pride Night controversies

Penguins president Brian Burke bets on the team and Sidney Crosby’s shot to make donations to the LGBTQ community as an answer to the Pride Night question.

<strong>Brian Burke BETS on Sidney Crosby goals during NHL All-Star Game in answer to Pride Night controversies</strong>

Brian Burke and Sidney Crosby [Image Credit: Pensburgh/The Athletic]

NHL Pride Night celebrations are starting to become the eye for the storm, especially after Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Ivan Provorov’s scrum. Pittsburgh Penguins president Brian Burke has always been a voiced supporter of the LGBTQ community.

After his son Brendan came out as gay in 2007, he has tried supporting the community in various means. Unfortunately, his son Brendan died in a car accident back in 2010. While speaking with The Athletic, Brian answered questions making his stance further clear to the public.

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He said that this 2023 NHL Honda All-Star Game weekend, Brian will support every goal made during this time by donating $100. Furthermore, he said he’ll give $200 for every goal made by Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. He preached about equality in the sports community and requested everyone to step forward to embrace it.

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Related: “The Pendulum has swung a bit too far”, Elon Musk hits out on media condemning Ivan Provorov’s decision not to participate in the pre-game warmup to support Pride Night

Brian Burke decides to donate to each of Sidney Crosby’s goals during All-Star break

Sidney Crosby [Image Credit: The Japan Times]
Sidney Crosby [Image Credit:The Japan Times]

Brian Burke created his own community named it You Can Play Project where people from all sides of society can join and play the sport they like. The community makes sure that no matter what orientation one is from, one gets to have the freedom to participate in the sports world.

Things didn’t only stir in the NHL world but also in adjoining sports universe, such as swimming, track, and field, etc. Lia Thomas was once and even now one of the most controversial figures, as her stance in sport was brought to question by several athletes and even the board. 

The most vocal incident was Ivan Provorov’s as he denied celebrating or donning a uniform for Pride Night. The NHL and his coach backed him up stating that an individual is free to choose and act according to their own beliefs. 

While many criticized, Ivan’s move, many supported the player. This is different from what Brian has been supporting and helping on. According to HockeyFeed, Brian stated, “I would view this as a much bigger setback if I didn’t view it as ‘we’re still going the right way’”. 

“In other words: As disappointed as I am, it’s important that people realize these are setbacks of a minor nature, in my view, in terms of where we are, versus where we were 12 years ago. And I don’t think anyone should lose sight of that.”

Brian clearly stated his disappointment in not only Ivan who refused to skate, but also in the New York Rangers’ handling of Pride Night. The Rangers, following Ivan’s storm, didn’t wear any Pride-themed jerseys to celebrate the day. Nevertheless, Brian’s efforts are still alive and continuing in full form.

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