Sharks' James Reimer talks refusal to wear Pride-themed warmup, believes 'everyone has value and worth'
Reimer is among the NHL players who have opted out of wearing Pride-themed jerseys
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer defended his decision to forgo wearing a Pride-themed jersey and miss warmups completely before a game earlier this month.
Reimer cited his religious beliefs, as others have this season, as the reason he would not wear the jersey to show support for the LGBTQ+ community in San Jose. In an interview with The Athletic and San Jose Hockey Now, Reimer was asked point-blank his thoughts on transgender people.
"I think I would just refer back to my statement on that one. My beliefs in Christ, what I think the Bible says on that stuff. But people, regardless of their orientation or their activity or whatnot, they have value and worth, I would do my best to love them, the best way I know how," he said. "I don’t think there’s a limit per se. And it might be, I don’t know if it’s hard for people to understand or whatnot.
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Goaltender James Reimer, #47 of the San Jose Sharks, guards the net during second period action against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on March 6, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
"But what I said, especially the last statement, everyone has value and worth. I’ll tell you, I wish people knew that wasn’t just a line I said. I have a heart for people. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past, what you do, and whatnot. I don’t want to keep [referring to my statement] over and over again, right? But obviously, I have my beliefs and things that I can’t personally endorse. But man, you love the person, you try and do whatever you can to get to know them or whatnot. That’s what I have to say, I guess."
Reimer said he has not thought about some of the criticism he has received.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}James Reimer, #47 of the San Jose Sharks, gets a drink during the TV timeout in the first period against the Edmonton Oilers on March 20, 2023 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Lawrence Scott/Getty Images)
"It’s not that I don’t care, but it’s not a decision where on that Friday night I was like, ‘Oh, this is what I’m going to do.’ It’s something that I thought about for a long time, probably almost a year. I tried to go to incredible lengths to try and say something as sensitively and decently as possible and try to understand all points. I tried to take all of that into account," he said.
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"I’ve seen a few comments here and there. I don’t want to say that I’ve thought of all (the reaction) before or thought of it leading up to it. I’m not all-knowing or have incredible wisdom. But it is something that I put a lot of thought into and tried to be as caring as possible."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Reimer initially cited his Christian beliefs when he refused to wear the warmup jersey back on March 18.
"For all 13 years of my NHL career, I have been a Christian — not just in title, but in how I choose to live my life daily. I have a personal faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sins and, in response, asks me to love everyone and follow him," he said in a statement through the Sharks. "I have no hate in my heart for anyone, and I have always strived to treat everyone that I encounter with respect and kindness.
James Reimer, #47 of the San Jose Sharks, looks on from his crease during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena March 23, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"In this specific instance, I am choosing not to endorse something that is counter to my personal convictions which are based on the Bible, the highest authority in my life."