Hours after San Jose Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik was suspended 30-games over a racial gesture made towards Boko Imama, both players have issued statements.
Imama, who was the target of another racial gesture in the AHL two years ago, said it was “frustrating and disheartening” that these things were still happening in 2022.
“I’ve been dealing with situations like this my entire life,” said Imama. “As a person of color playing youth hockey, through Junior and now twice as a professional, this keeps happening to me over and over again.
“We have enough to work about as pro hockey players and it saddens me when anyone has to deal with these types of issues.
“Even though I honestly believe the sport has made positive strides, WE still have a long way to go to educate the ignorant and to make hockey a safe place for everyone. My hope is that people learn from this and that someday hockey will truly be for everyone.”
Hrabik, according to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, “imitated a monkey’s movements towards Imama, who is Black.” The movements were spotted by the Roadrunners bench and confirmed via video, Wyshynski added.
In a statement Thursday night, Hrabik apologized for his actions.
“I am ashamed of today’s events and embarrassed by the actions that led to my suspension. I want everyone to know that I’m very sorry for what has occurred and I take full responsibility for my actions,” said Hrabik. “People should know that I had absolutely no inappropriate intent.
“The gesture was made in the heat of battle and while I didn’t mean anything racist by what I did, I realize now through my own ignorance how my gesture could be interpreted.”
As part of Hrabik’s suspension, Hrabik will be working with the NHL’s Player Inclusion Committee led by NHL executive Kim Davis, New Jersey Devils defenceman P.K. Subban and former NHL’er and now TV analyst Anson Carter.
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