Billionaire Elon Musk has sparked outrage with his latest statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Musk announced that players from Team Canada will be “banned from accessing or purchasing Tesla vehicles and services” after what he described as “disrespectful conduct” during the 2025 IIHF Championship.

The shocking statement, posted late Sunday night, left fans reeling and players stunned. But it was NHL icon Sidney Crosby who delivered the most explosive response yet — calling on hockey fans everywhere to delete the X app entirely.

“This app… it’s not what it used to be. It’s full of trashy posts, childish feuds, and toxic behavior,” Crosby said during a press appearance Monday morning. “If Elon Musk thinks he can target Canadian athletes like this, maybe it’s time fans walk away from his platform altogether.”

Crosby’s call to action set off a digital firestorm, with the hashtag #DeleteX quickly trending in Canada and parts of the U.S. within hours. Fans of the sport have expressed fury over what many are calling an “unjustified and bizarre attack” by Musk, who has a long history of making provocative statements on social media. But this marks one of the first times he’s directly targeted an entire national team.

According to sources close to the situation, Musk’s anger stems from what he interpreted as a “national insult” during a Canada vs. Sweden game, where several Canadian players allegedly mocked a Tesla-themed advertisement aired in the arena. No footage of the incident has been released, and no official complaints were filed — making Musk’s retaliatory move even more puzzling.

Team Canada has not released an official statement, but players and fans alike are baffled.

“To go from promoting electric vehicles to blacklisting professional athletes over a misunderstanding? It’s absurd,” said one team insider who wished to remain anonymous. “This isn’t about cars. It’s about power and ego.”

Crosby, known for being measured and thoughtful in the media, did not hold back. His tone was unusually fierce, warning fans not to support platforms that “bully athletes or poison the sports experience with billionaire drama.”

“Elon Musk built incredible things, but lately he’s using his influence in ways that just divide people,” Crosby added. “We don’t need that in hockey. We don’t need that in Canada.”

Meanwhile, some Tesla owners have threatened to boycott the company if the “ban” is enacted. “I’m Canadian, I love hockey, and I drive a Tesla,” said Toronto resident Jeremy LaForge. “Why should I be punished because a tech CEO took something personally?”

While Musk has yet to follow up with further clarification, his original post remains pinned at the top of his X profile, reading: “Effective immediately, all members of Team Canada are banned from Tesla engagement — including test drives, purchases, and factory visits. Actions have consequences.”

The NHL has not issued an official comment, but league insiders suggest tensions are rising behind the scenes, particularly as sponsors and advertisers weigh in. Some are reportedly reconsidering their partnerships with Tesla and X.

Crosby’s bold stance could mark a turning point in how athletes interact with tech moguls — and how much influence billionaires should have over sports culture. “We stand with Sid,” read one trending post. “Delete the app. Support the game.”

As the drama continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the collision between the ice and Silicon Valley has never been colder — or more explosive.