I see here that since g11 has posted his comments on muslim countries anti-gay stance, none of you are willing to tackle that issue because Islam is a dominant religion and has more followers than any other religions right now.

If you liked Ovechkin’s no comment (and other sports figures too), then it means you love being lied to. But that’s okay, that’s how Obama got elected.

I agree with g11. Being PC nowadays is being full of bullshit.

Allahu Akbar – Allah is the Greatest

I’m a bit confused about when you talk about using neutral words like “religion” to talk about Islam, when that is accurate because Islam is a religion? Not being snarky or anything, just hoping for some clarification. But in any case, I understand and respect being religious (though I imagine everyone uses their judgement and choice on what to actually follow/practice to the letter, otherwise there’d be even more horrific stonings then what currently happen due to passages in the bible), and even having the fear of facing repercussions when going back home for showing support, which is why I like Ovechkin’s (non)answer.

As for this: “Datsyuk said he believed in the Russian Orthodox Church. He said nothing at all about supporting anti-gay propaganda laws in Russia. You are inferring whatever you what to hear from his very vague statement.” Yes, his vague statement supporting the Russian Orthodox Church, which came out with a statement supporting the law because the LGBTQ would bring about the apocalypse. And it is the law that is the problem. Believing and practicing your religion is great until its being used to (force the religion on others who aren’t the same one) enforce laws that are resulting in dead, assaulted, forcibly outed, and imprisoned LGBTQ and allies for even showing support for the gay community via words or signs, or being at risk for rainbow colored nailpolish.

Datsyuk is such an easy target in this case. It’s so easy to attack his faith in the orthodox church. The same people who write hateful comments on him will have a much harder time if he was muslim.

Datsyuk said he believed in the Russian Orthodox Church. He said nothing at all about supporting anti-gay propaganda laws in Russia. You are inferring whatever you what to hear from his very vague statement. Context is also crucial in his case: he’s got a lot more to lose in his homeland than any of us. He also stated that he wanted to retire and go back home to his family and friends in Russia, albeit safely.

Before you judge a man based on one statement and clearly, without empathy about his social context, look at his overall achievements and community work. He works with local charities in Detroit, the Children’s Wish Foundation in US (check their website) as well as running a youth hockey school in Yekaterinburg.

By the way, a very good point has been brought up here: I’m very curious to know your stance on Islam and homosexuality. If an NHL hockey player gave a similar answer to Datsyuk, like “I believe in Islam, that says it all”, would you react the exact same way? There are currently at least two well known NHL players who are of Muslim faith and one of them is a Leafs: Kadri.

For my part, I respect Pavel Datsyuk because I can take a few steps back and look at the overall picture, because I do not walk in his shoes.