From Newsweek · · 1m
Alex Ovechkin's Putin Support Sparks NHL Debate
Alex Ovechkin's United Russia ad endorsement faces NHL backlash over 'peace and love' claims.
In brief
Alex Ovechkin's United Russia ad endorsement faces NHL backlash over 'peace and love' claims. Ovechkin's political endorsement of Russia's United Russia party faces criticism but NHL has not punished him despite years of support. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Ovechkin's Putin Ad Controversy
Alex Ovechkin appeared in Vladimir Putin's United Russia election campaign ad for Russian elections.
“Alex Ovechkin is facing a torrent of criticism after American media discovered he had appeared in an election campaign ad for Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party ahead of this week’s Russian elections”
Ovechkin's Defense
Ovechkin claimed he 'wasn’t into politics' and supported 'peace and love for everyone' while being Russian.
“I am Russian, I support my country. I hope peace and love for everybody. I’m not into politics. It doesn't matter who you are, American, Russian or Ukrainian. I hope everything's gonna be good.”
Political Context
Ovechkin supported Putin since 2017 through 'Putin Team' campaign to strengthen Russia.
“The hockey star has openly supported Putin since 2017, when the Washington Capitals stalwart launched 'Putin Team,' a social campaign to unite 'people who are proud of their country and want to make Russia stronger.'”
NHL Contract History
Ovechkin signed a five-year $47.5 million contract with Washington Capitals in 2021 after Putin Team.
“The Capitals handed Ovechkin a five-year, $47.5 million contract in 2021, four years after the Putin Team incident, and months before Russian forces launched their full-scale invasion of Ukraine.”
NHL Precedent
Stephen Curry and LeBron James campaigned for politicians without NHL punishment.
“Stephen Curry appeared with his family at the 2020 Democratic National Convention and explicitly endorsed Joe Biden. LeBron James previously campaigned for Hillary Clinton in Ohio.”
NBA Example
NBA's Nikola Jokic supported Serbian election list without NBA investigation.
“In 2023, while playing for the Denver Nuggets, Jokić’s name appeared among more than 2,000 prominent Serbian figures backing an electoral list for the party of Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić”
Current Stance
Ovechkin faces criticism but NHL has not punished him despite years of political support.
“We’ve watched Ovechkin support Putin for years. That didn’t stop anyone from paying him tens of millions of dollars, making him the face of a franchise, and cheering while he rewrote the NHL record books.”
What to remember
Ovechkin's political endorsement of Russia's United Russia party faces criticism but NHL has not punished him despite years of support.
