Gay former OHLer takes umbrage with Getzlaf's slur, apology
During Game 4 of the Western Conference Final versus the Nashville Predators, Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf directed a homophobic slur at a referee and was subsequently fined $10,000.
Following Saturday's defeat in Game 5, Getzlaf offered up his version of an apology, accepting responsibility for his actions as well as his fine. However, what Getzlaf failed to recognize, is the impact that a slur of that nature has on certain communities.
Related: Getzlaf addresses fine for remark: It's up to me to be more respectful of the game
On Sunday, gay former hockey player Brock McGillis spoke with John Chidley-Hill of The Canadian Press and was openly critical of Getzlaf and his actions.
"I don't care how you mean it, when you say the word, it's a homophobic slur," McGillis said in a phone interview.
"He doesn't sound, in my opinion, very apologetic. He's comparing what he said to a curse word and he didn't apologize to the LGBTQ community or take ownership of his actions. That's quite disappointing."
As Chidley-Hill notes, the $10,000 fine is the maximum allowable under the league's collective bargaining agreement, but McGillis was quick to point out the negative effects of Getzlaf's comments.
"It seems like it's almost backwards," said McGillis. "We took a step back for equality and for hockey to be a safe space for everybody."
Last postseason, then-Chicago Blackhawks winger Andrew Shaw was suspended one game for the same offense, using a homophobic slur against an on-ice official and was fined $5,000.