Alex Ovechkin claims he’s ‘not in politics’. His pro-Putin video says the opposite
After the NHL star appeared in an ad campaign for United Russia, it’s fair to start pressing about the impact of his stances – even if he doesn’t want to talk about it
TL;DR
- Alexander Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, participated in a video campaign for United Russia, a party supporting Vladimir Putin.
- Ovechkin previously stated he is not in politics and is an athlete, but his involvement in the pro-Putin campaign contradicts this.
- Former NHL goaltender Dominik Hasek criticized the Capitals' statement on Ovechkin, accusing them of ignoring the impact of his political stance.
- Hasek suggested that Ovechkin bears responsibility for casualties in Ukraine through his public stance.
- Fans are left in an ethical quandary, facing accusations of supporting a repressive regime if they continue to follow Ovechkin, or of politicizing sports if they boycott.
- Ovechkin has repeatedly stated he is not in politics and cannot say who is right or wrong when pressed about the invasion of Ukraine.