P.K. Subban won gold with Canada in the 2014 Olympics, but on Thursday, he expressed excitement over President Trump on social media. Now, a former NHLer and longtime friend of Subban is calling him out for his behavior, labeling the ESPN analyst a “disgrace” and a “humiliation of the very land you are born and raised in.”
P.K. Subban is known for always sharing his true opinions and thoughts on current hockey topics, which has made him a well-liked figure as a media personality. As a player, Subban was known as one of the top defensemen in the NHL, with one of the highlights of his career being winning gold in the 2014 Olympics while playing for Team Canada. That’s why many were surprised by his behavior ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off final.
Tension between the United States and Canada has been rising since President Trump’s threats to issue tariffs on Canada. Trump has also repeatedly stated that he wants to make Canada the United States’ 51st state.
Former NHLer calls out Subban
Although several members of the United States’ 4 Nations Face-Off roster wanted Trump in attendance for the final in Boston, he wasn’t there. However, he did give the team a phone call on Thursday morning. Subban posted about it, seemingly excited about Trump engaging with the U.S. hockey team.
“The Trizzy Train [train and smoke emojis] could be coming through soon,” Subban wrote. “Stay tuned!”
Although it’s not entirely clear what Subban meant with his post, it sparked negative reactions, even from old friends. Akim Aliu, a former player with the Calgary Flames in the NHL, responded to the post, calling out the ESPN analyst.
“I’ve watched you from afar and never said anything for two main reasons. One, the respect I have for your brothers and parents, and two, I’ve always wanted to keep the infighting between folks of color to a minimum.
“This was something I couldn’t let go,” Aliu added.
Subban slammed as a ”disgrace”
Aliu then proceeded to call Subban a “disgrace” and a “humiliation of the very land you are born and raised in.”
“I’ve known you since I was ten years old and played with you, so I’d say I know you better than most at a deeper level. You were a hell of a player, and instead of using your platform, you did everything in your power to gain acceptance and popularity. Nothing with you has ever been genuine but transactional, usually for publicity reasons.
“Even during this most sensitive time, both politically and socially, you take the side of the oppressor because that’s who you make your money from. I would have thought the ‘love’ you’ve always claimed for your country—a country you represented at the highest levels—would shine through to push back on rhetoric of annexation and humiliation of the very land you are born and raised in. But even that doesn’t get you to do the right thing morally.”
Aliu also claimed there’s a reason “no one likes” Subban.
“This is the reason why every place you’ve played—no one liked you, and players on the inside have always known who you really are—a sellout of the highest proportions. You are the perfect example of why people of color haven’t progressed at the highest levels of society. From one man to another, you’re a disgrace, and history will judge you accordingly.”
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