James Reimer doubles down on 'Pride Night' protest.

The National Hockey League has been hit with another controversy on Saturday night and once again we have a 'Pride Night' event at the center of it. This time the controversy stems from the fact that San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer has made the decision to not participate in the event, with Reimer refusing to wear a 'Pride Night' jersey during warmups.

Reimer initially released the following statement explaining his actions:

Under the umbrella of the NHL’s Hockey Is For Everyone initiative, the San Jose Sharks have chosen to wear jerseys in support of the LGBTQIA+ community tonight.

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. I have no hate in my heart for anyone, and I have always strived to treat everyone that I encounter with respect and kindness.

In the 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.

I strongly believe that every person has value and worth, and the LGBTQIA+ community, like all the others, should be welcomed in all aspects of the game of hockey.

Although Reimer released a statement you knew there would be many questions that would follow, and much to his credit Reimer faced those questions and appears to have put considerable thought into his responses as well.

Reimer was asked about whether or not he is concerned that this could impact his future in the National Hockey League:

Reimer was also asked about his concerns regarding how some members of the public might feel differently about him now that he has taken this stance:

The most compelling part of Reimer's comments on this issue was his decision to expose the fact that he attempted to have this conversation "almost a year ago" with what he describes as "people in high places." This suggests that this is something Reimer was actively seeking to avoid and it seems clear that no resolution was reached given what we now know.