Backlash Over Hockey Team’s Laughter at Trump’s Joke
A Canadian sports reporter attributed the criticism he faced to the internet after questioning American hockey players about their reaction to a joke from President Trump.
Recently, members of the USA Olympic men’s hockey team found themselves under scrutiny from the media after they laughed at a joke the president made during a phone call following their gold medal victory.
“If I had to do it again, I don’t think I would do that. And we made a mistake.”
Trump called the team to congratulate them in the locker room and made a quip about needing to include the Women’s Team USA, which also took home gold, suggesting he might face impeachment if he didn’t. This seemed to rub some journalists the wrong way.
In particular, American players Jake Sanderson and Brady Tkachuk, who play for the Ottawa Senators, faced criticism from TSN reporter Claire Hanna, who identifies with the pronouns she/her.
Sanderson noted in response to Hanna’s probing that he felt the situation was perhaps exaggerated, but he maintained that laughing at the president’s joke was not appropriate. “We have nothing but the utmost respect for the women. We would hang out with them all the time,” he explained.
Despite that reassurance, Hanna pressed on, asking if they understood how their laughter might affect the women’s team.
Sanderson admitted, “If I had to do it again I wouldn’t have done it and I think I made a mistake. But again, I think it was a little bit blown out of proportion.”
Questions flooded in regarding the president’s call and their upcoming visit to the White House.
Tkachuk recalled being stunned to receive a call from Trump just moments after winning the gold medal. “I just couldn’t believe it,” he said, reflecting on the surreal nature of the moment.
Although he praised the women’s team, questions regarding their laughter persisted. Hanna directly asked Tkachuk if he recognized the disappointment it could have caused.
“I understand,” Tkachuk replied. “I don’t really have anything to comment on other than what we can control. We supported them and they supported us. You can’t control what others say.”
Though Tkachuk acknowledged the women’s team’s prowess, Hanna continued to press. “Then why do you laugh when invited?” she asked.
“Honestly, I don’t have an answer,” Tkachuk admitted, looking exhausted. “It caught me off guard because it was a fleeting moment where you can’t really control what someone says.” He continued, “When you’re talking to the president just after achieving a dream, it’s hard to fathom the reality of the situation.”
In light of the backlash, Hanna remarked on social media, “The Internet seems to be angry today,” which only drew further dissatisfaction from fans online.
