Let's leave Alex Ovechkin alone
PUBLICATION
O. EngFebruary 24, 2022 (2:25 PM)
With the recent updates and the escalating situation between Russia, Ukraine and the West, it's easy to throw Russian athletes under the bus but this is something we should avoid doing at all costs.
Washington Capitals captain and star winger Alex Ovechkin has had an openly friendly relationship with Russian president Vladmir Putin; even using a photo of the two as his profile picture.
However, it is best not to speculate on his involvement and opinions surrounding the current political climate. Samantha Pell, Capitals reporter, tweeted that Ovechkin should be available for questions postgame rather than pregame.
"Expecting Alex Ovechkin to be available to media in the coming days. He was requested this AM, but Caps want to keep the focus on tonight's game vs NYR".
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Understandably, with his wife, kids and parents in Russia, he and the Caps both would prefer to take their time before fielding any questions relating to the Kremlin.
Rick Westhead from TSN also links the clash between Ovechkin and Panarin as more reasons to be cautious.
"No doubt Washington Capitals are brainstorming w Alex Ovechkin on how to respond to Q's about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ovechkin in 2017 started the social movement and website https://PutinTeam.ru, a website that helped rally support for Russian President Vladimir Putin".
Panarin, who has publicly criticized the Russian president, will be under the microscope too.
Alex Ovechkin chose to make his living in the United States. He chose to play for the Washington Capitals but he also chose to support the Russian government. As a journalist living in North America it is critical that we keep people in check and question their decisions. Athletes, celebrities and politicians are not exempt.
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN had this to say,
"Seeing a lot of "Ovechkin shouldn't have to answer questions about Putin" and that's ridiculous. He campaigned for him. He's always tried to have it both ways by being a hype man for Putin but claiming it's not political. It is absolutely fair to ask him about Ukraine".
What's most important here is that we do not speculate and we stick to the facts. We should not guess about his political opinions and as Ovi once mentioned, there is a difference between being a Putin surrogate and being proud of your country.
Remember these athletes have family, friends and loved ones in Russia. Are we allowed to ask questions? Absolutely. Should we expect responses? Probably not.
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