HOT NEWS: Sidney Crosby announced he will refuse to celebrate Pride Month in June — he said “WOKE” doesn’t deserve to be celebrated, citing…01

Hockey icon Sidney Crosby, often praised for his quiet leadership and professionalism, has found himself at the center of a storm of controversy after publicly stating he will not participate in Pride Month celebrations this June. The longtime Pittsburgh Penguins captain and three-time Stanley Cup champion explained that he believes the “woke movement” has taken Pride Month away from its original purpose, saying, “WOKE doesn’t deserve to be celebrated.”

The statement, shared during a press conference promoting a youth hockey initiative in Nova Scotia, quickly went viral, igniting fierce debate across the sports world and beyond.

Crosby’s Comments
When asked by a reporter whether he would be wearing a Pride-themed warm-up jersey or engaging in Pride Month initiatives as he has in past years, Crosby responded candidly.

“Look, I’ve always supported treating people with respect — no matter who they are. But over the past few years, Pride Month has become more about political agendas than actual inclusion. I don’t think it’s something I’ll be actively celebrating this year,” Crosby said.

“The way the ‘woke’ movement has hijacked everything—it’s no longer about acceptance; it’s about forced conformity. I don’t believe that deserves to be celebrated.”

Crosby emphasized that he supports “individual dignity and respect” but pushed back against what he called “performative activism.”

Immediate Backlash and Support

The reaction was swift and deeply polarized. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups like You Can Play — an organization Crosby has previously worked with — expressed disappointment.

“Sidney Crosby has long been a respected figure in hockey, and this is disheartening,” said You Can Play spokesperson Sarah Landon. “Pride Month isn’t about ‘forcing conformity.’ It’s about visibility and standing with those who are marginalized in our sport and society.”

Many fans echoed those sentiments online. Social media platforms were flooded with criticism, with #CrosbyCancelled trending on X (formerly Twitter) within hours. One tweet read, “Sid, you inspired a generation—but this just set us back years.”

Yet Crosby was not without defenders. Some applauded him for “speaking his mind” in a climate where many public figures fear backlash for challenging progressive norms. Conservative commentator Clay Travis tweeted, “Bravo to Sidney Crosby. More athletes need to stand up to the tyranny of woke culture.”

Hockey’s Complicated Relationship with Pride

The NHL has had a complicated history with LGBTQ+ inclusion. Over the past several years, efforts to integrate Pride-themed nights, jerseys, and campaigns have met resistance from certain players, particularly those citing religious or political beliefs. The league recently made Pride warm-up jerseys optional after several high-profile refusals in the 2022–2023 season.

Crosby had previously participated in team-led Pride events, but had largely remained quiet on social and political issues, earning him a reputation as a “classic captain” who let his game speak louder than his words. His recent comments mark a notable shift.

Analysis: A Cultural Flashpoint
Crosby’s stance taps into a growing tension in professional sports: the intersection of activism, identity, and performance. Where some see athletes as role models with a platform for advocacy, others argue that sports should remain “apolitical.”

Dr. Erin Vaughn, a sociologist who studies sports culture, sees Crosby’s comments as reflective of a broader trend. “There’s been a noticeable rise in backlash against what critics call ‘woke culture,’ particularly among traditionally conservative sports. Crosby’s comments, while surprising coming from someone usually media-savvy, are part of that wave.”

She adds, “The danger is that dismissing Pride Month as just ‘woke’ misses its core purpose — it’s about ensuring everyone feels welcome, especially in spaces where they historically haven’t.”

What Happens Next?

Crosby has not issued a follow-up statement or apology, and his team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, released a brief message saying, “We remain committed to supporting inclusion and diversity in hockey.” The NHL has declined to comment further at this time.

Whether this marks a lasting shift in Crosby’s public image remains to be seen. His legacy as one of hockey’s all-time greats is secure, but his latest remarks may complicate how future generations view his off-ice contributions.

For now, Crosby appears comfortable standing by his words—even as the debate around Pride, politics, and professionalism continues to grow.