Larry Brooks bashes Alex Ovechkin for supporting Putin while in pursuit of NHL history

<strong>Larry Brooks bashes Alex Ovechkin for supporting Putin while in pursuit of NHL history</strong>

Alex Ovechkin [Image Credit: NHL.com]

Not everyone in the NHL world is out there celebrating Alex Ovechkin crossing Gordie Howe’s goal record. The fact was proven right as NY Post writer Larry Brooks completely ripped Ovechkin for his support of Russian president Vladimir Putin and his policies.

While being an NHL legend comes with heavy responsibilities, Ovechkin has also been carrying the burden of criticisms from the hockey sphere. Many criticized the Great Eight for his support, but things took an early turn after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier in the year.

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Recently after crossing Howe, Ovechkin is set on his goal to pass the NHL record and the legendary Wayne Gretzky. Apart from reporter Brooks, Toronto Sun’s writer Brian Lilley also refused to celebrate the player according to Hockey Feed. 

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Also Read| Alex Ovechkin snatches NHL 2nd all-time goal scorer crown, crosses Gordie Howe with 802 record

Larry Brooks criticizes Alex Ovechkin for supporting Putin

Alex Ovechkin and Putin [Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons]
Alex Ovechkin and Putin [Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons]

Lilley stated, “One of the claims I hear in defence of Ovechkin is that he has family still in Russia that he needs to protect. Spare me the false tears. The man has enough money and connections to get his extended family out of Russia if he wants to; he simply doesn’t, and he doesn’t want to renounce his gross, disgusting support for Putin, either.”

During current discussions on this matter, Alex Ovechkin’s profile photo with Putin was also pulled up. Furthermore, Ovie creating PutinTeam made matters worse in the NHL world. Many criticized his move while some openly tore him apart on social media.

Brooks stated, “It is impossible to celebrate Ovechkin the man, who for years not only publicly aligned himself with the genocidal Russian president Vladimir Putin and his policies, but attempted to lead a movement in his support as late as 2017.”

“It is impossible to become invested in this race for hockey history that will likely reach fruition after another 93 goals sometime during the 2024-25 season. It will be documented. But it will not be romanticized. There is a pall over it. Again, at least here.”

During one of Ovechkin’s trips to Western Canada, he was booed by the public for not taking any strong steps against Putin and his policies following the ongoing war. 

According to Brooks, Ovechkin is a fun and interesting player to watch, good to see him breaking one after another record, but not someone to be celebrated. 

Also Read| WATCH: Alex Ovechkin DEMOLISHES Conor Timmins over boards as Capital One Arena shrieks, NHL Twitter reacts

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