Tag: war crimes

The NHL must immediately suspend contracts for all Russian players! Every athlete represents not only himself and his club, but also his country and its values and actions. That is a fact. If the NHL does not do so, it has indirect co-responsibility for the dead in Ukraine.

— Dominik Hasek (@hasek_dominik) February 26, 2022

The NHL obviously did not agree with Dominik Hasek as all but one team entering this year’s playoffs has at least one Russian hockey player on its team. But Hasek does have someone who agrees with one. While it’s not hockey, it is the greatest tennis Grand Slam in the world . . . Wimbledon.

Wimbledon announced yesterday that it will not allow tennis players from Russia or Belarus to participate in this year’s Grand Slam. Part of its announcement which is located on its website states:

” In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships.

It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022.

Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club, commented: “We recognise that this is hard on the individuals affected, and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions of the leaders of the Russian regime.

“We have very carefully considered the alternative measures that might be taken within the UK Government guidance but, given the high profile environment of The Championships, the importance of not allowing sport to be used to promote the Russian regime and our broader concerns for public and player (including family) safety, we do not believe it is viable to proceed on any other basis at The Championships.””

With the ICC looking into war crimes against Russia for bombing and attacking civilians as it currently invades Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes association with Vladimir Putin or the Kremlin would damage Wimbledon’s reputation especially one of those athletes won the Grand Slam. The public knowledge of a stance of support for the invasion or a relationship with the Russian President or the Kremlin would then make that athlete an accomplice or accessory putting blood on the hands of Wimbledon.

Wimbledon has decided it will not take that chance. It will honor the rich history and reputation it has been building since the 1870s when it started on Worple Road. And by the way, the one team without a Russian or Belarusian player on its team plays today at 3 PM. Further, the one team with the only Russian player who has publicly questioned Putin prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is on the opposing team of the same 3 PM game.