Morgan Rielly states ‘wish players had the right to do more’ after NHL bans Pride tape use in ongoing 2023-24 regular season games

Morgan Rielly expresses his disappointment regarding the National Hockey League’s decision to prohibit the use of Pride tape during league events. Nevertheless, this regulation will not hinder his or the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

It’s sad. According to Rielly’s statement on Tuesday, he holds the belief that both as athletes and as individuals. Their commitment lies in helping individuals and offering support to causes that they identify as needing assistance or deserving of their help. Irrespective of the statement’s content, they are in agreement with it and will persist in their support for one another as athletes. It is their desire for them to become a part of this community.

When NHL has special Pride Nights, Morgan Rielly frequently chooses to decorate his hockey stick with rainbow tape before participating in matches. Due to some players opting out of wearing pride jerseys during warmups in the 2022-23 season, the NHL made the decision to discontinue the usage of special jerseys endorsing specific causes.

OutSports reported that the NHL has declared that the use of Pride tape will remain prohibited during official league events. The memo was sent to all 32 teams, delivering this information: Players ought not to be coerced into displaying or giving the impression of supporting any Special Initiatives. It is important to ponder whether a player must be in the vicinity of particular groups or individuals involved in special projects.

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Morgan Rielly wants to keep supporting the community

Rielly intends to continue engaging with the community and providing support to the communities and groups seeking assistance. Irrespective of the league’s statement, the player’s presence will persist.

He stated, “I wish players had the right to do more.” Rielly has no hesitation in advocating for individuals who are mistreated or marginalized. Rielly emphasized the importance of granting players more autonomy and encouraging their active involvement.

The league’s decision is strongly opposed by several fans and organizations, such as Pride Tape and the You Can Play Team. The NHL’s slogan, “Hockey is for Everyone,” may have certain issues and may not be the most effective approach to making progress.

Additionally, the NHLPA was asked to aid. All the headway we have achieved and the bonds we have formed with our community hang in the balance. During his appearance on the radio show Halford & Brough in the Morning on Sportsnet 650, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly voiced his support for the league’s endorsement of Pride tape.

Problems emerged last year as players voiced discomfort in backing particular initiatives. In the future, the management will make sure our players do not find themselves in such uncomfortable circumstances. Daly stated. The Maple Leafs team, under the supervision of Brad Treliving, remains firmly committed to supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The entirety of the Maple Leafs organization has consistently relied on this support. Memo or no memo.

Treliving firmly stated that there would be no altering that fact. Their focus is on discovering their own unique ways of aiding and backing us. They constantly remain steadfast to their beliefs and never waver. Helping others remains unchanged despite the constant challenges present in the world, he further added.

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