“Currently, with the many young people who play [à des jeux d’argent] online, I just don’t like the direction we’re going as a society. »
Karl Subban, father of PK, Malcolm and Jordan, was at the Montreal Book Fair this weekend. He met The Press, Friday. On the menu for this pleasant discussion in the lobby of his hotel: his new children’s book, his son’s retirement and… online games.
This is because Mr. Subban is a new member of the committee of the Campaign to Ban Online Sports Betting and Casino Ads (BanAdsForGambling.ca), which seeks to “influence all [ordres] of government to bring about change in Canada.”
Mr. Subban was quick to accept the invitation to join the committee. As a former school principal and father of five, he “spent [sa] life working with children to help them reach their full potential,” he explains.
“Even before anyone asked me, I knew that more and more young people were playing games [en ligne], and that this can constitute an obstacle to reaching their full potential in addition to causing serious damage. It’s addictive. »
I think it will get out of control if we don’t do something to change it.
Karl Subban, on online gaming advertisements
It’s no secret that online sports betting and casino advertisements have multiplied in recent years. Especially since, these days, access to platforms couldn’t be easier for anyone with a cell phone.
The committee of which Mr. Subban is a part also takes a stand against players, athletes or star actors promoting online games. Wayne Gretzky, Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, among others, are among those who have previously appeared in sports betting commercials.
“If you look at young people who look up to superstars, they say, ‘If he can do it, then I can do it, and if it’s good for him, then it must be good for me.’ [Ces vedettes] have great power; their influence has great power. We need to make changes before it gets out of control. »
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Karl Subban
Of course, it won’t happen “overnight,” but Mr. Subban is hopeful that changes will occur over time. “I know it’s a business and businesses operate to make money. But sometimes it’s not about business. It’s about people. Young people. »
Mr. Subban does not know if PK has ever been approached to take part in this type of advertising. “I love him,” he said, “and if he did, I wouldn’t like the idea of him doing that.” We can love our children, but we don’t have to love everything they say or do. »
These reasons to be proud
Speaking of PK, it’s been a year since the former Canadian defender retired. He now works as a full-time hockey analyst at ESPN.
“Do I see him more than before? No, say Karl Subban. I used to see him on TV a lot, but now he’s in a different role. […] He’s so busy. »
PHOTO BERNARD BRAULT, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
PK Subban in the Canadiens uniform in 2016
The friendly father had the pleasure of seeing his son play in the biggest hockey league in the world for 12 seasons… and seeing him be drafted by the Canadian, his childhood team.
“He gave me so many reasons to be proud,” he slips.
“Do you know what I’m most proud of? […] People think of PK making it to the NHL. Yes, I’m proud of it, but I’m more proud of the fact that he wanted to work for it. Many young people want to achieve a dream, but do not want to pay the price to get there. He paid the price and that makes me very happy. »
Mr. Subban is also proud of his son’s work in the community and the impact he has had. He also highlights his successful move from the ice rink to television. “It makes it look so easy,” he says.
Hockey skates
Karl Subban published his first children’s book in September, titled Hockey skates. The Ontarian tells the story of a young PK who, as winter approaches, still does not have skates to put on his feet and who impatiently waits for the postman to arrive with the long-awaited box. .
“People ask me if it’s a true story. There are so many things about this book that are true. »
Hockey skates was born from two sources of inspiration: one after Mr. Subban read the same book to his granddaughter dozens of times, the other from the experience he had with his children.
I wanted to write a book that would inspire and motivate young people to read again, again and again. Because the more they want to read, the greater their success at school.
Karl Subban
“My guys played hockey for many years without using new equipment. It was all used equipment all the time. Most children start the sport with brand new skates. Everything is new. [Mes enfants] had to wait. There is something important about waiting, about delaying gratification.
“When you look at PK’s story… He went through so many moments of disappointment and he still came through. You shouldn’t see disappointments as something bad for you. You have to look at them as something that is good for you. »
Hockey skates
Little man
32 pages