NEW YORK (AP) — The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is calling for Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds to apologize for a slur he appeared to utter toward Sean Avery of the New York Rangers
It also wants the NHL to educate fans against hate speech.
Video replay appeared to catch Simmonds making an anti-gay slur to Avery during a preseason game in Philadelphia on Monday night. Avery confirmed that Simmonds made the remark, and Simmonds didn’t deny saying it.
GLAAD said it is talking to the Flyers and the NHL about what specific steps can be taken. The NHL didn’t immediately comment.
GLAAD says it has worked with sports leagues such as the NBA, Major League Baseball, and the World Wrestling Federation to address issues of homophobia in sports.