Representative Joe Wilson from South Carolina has expressed his concern regarding Alex Ovechkin’s involvement in a campaign ad for the United Russia party, which is backed by Vladimir Putin. He is urging NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to take action on this issue.
In a letter sent to Bettman on Tuesday, Wilson labeled Ovechkin’s participation as “shameful” and called for a review by the league. Capitals owner Ted Leonsis also received a copy of this correspondence.
Ovechkin, who does not speak in the ad, appears alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the campaign video as Russia prepares for its parliamentary elections set for September 18-20. Margarita Simonyan, the editor of the state-controlled network RT, is also featured in the ad.
Wilson articulated that while Ovechkin is entitled to his personal political opinions, his active role in promoting Putin’s party raises significant concerns about the standards expected from NHL players who represent the league and their communities.
The letter does not mention any desire for Ovechkin to be suspended or fined, but Wilson seeks clarification from the NHL regarding any existing policies concerning players appearing in political advertisements for foreign parties or regimes. Additionally, he wants assurances that Ovechkin’s involvement does not reflect the stance of either the league or the Capitals.
On social media, Wilson’s remarks were more pointed, stating that it is alarming the NHL and the Capitals have allowed Ovechkin to endorse Putin’s party, labeling it as a contrast to what American hockey fans deserve from their top players.
During an interview with Fox News’ Dan Scully, Wilson elaborated on his letter. When questioned about potential disciplinary actions for Ovechkin, he refrained from giving a direct response. He described Ovechkin’s support for Putin as unthinkable, comparing Putin to a modern-day figure of evil.
There was also curiosity regarding whether the NHL or the Capitals were aware of Ovechkin’s ad appearance ahead of time, to which Wilson was uncertain.
Capitals Respond to Ovechkin’s Ad
The Capitals stated that Ovechkin was approached to participate in the video while he was in Russia over the summer, but did not clarify who made that request. Additionally, they provided no information on whether the team had prior knowledge of Ovechkin’s involvement or if anyone within the organization had sanctioned it.
According to a Capitals spokesperson, Ovechkin resides in Moscow during the offseason and intends to return there after his NHL career. The focus remains on the upcoming season and Ovechkin’s contributions to the team in Washington.
Ovechkin has long been an open supporter of Putin, even founding “PutinTeam” in 2017 to promote support for the president. Despite calling for peace after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, he did not criticize Putin, stating that he is his president but emphasized his role as an athlete rather than a politician.
Wilson Advocates for Consequences
Wilson insists that the Kremlin often exploits athletes and international sporting events to further its governmental agenda, asserting that Ovechkin’s role in the campaign cannot simply be brushed aside as disconnected from the NHL.
He mentioned that the United Russia campaign also involves Maria Lvova-Belova, who has been issued an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court concerning the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories.
When asked about how Ovechkin’s ad differs from an American athlete supporting a U.S. politician, Wilson pointed out that the politician in question is not a “mass murderer.” He reiterated that while free speech is essential, actions promoting a war criminal should carry consequences. However, he did not specify what those consequences would be.
Wilson is collaborating with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch on this issue, and Risch is also quoted as agreeing that Ovechkin’s actions are inappropriate, although no specific course of action was detailed.
The Congressman stated he has yet to hear back from the NHL but is willing to wait for their response. Throughout the interview, Wilson continued to refer to Putin as a “convicted war criminal,” a sentiment mirrored in the handwritten note beneath his signature, although it’s worth noting that neither Putin nor Lvova-Belova has been convicted by the ICC.
The NHL has not yet responded to Wilson’s inquiries or provided any comments regarding Ovechkin’s involvement in the ad or the league’s policies regarding political activities by its players. Ovechkin has also not commented through the Capitals as of publication.
Further updates will follow should responses from Ovechkin, the NHL, or the Capitals be received.
