Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons finds himself in the hot seat after making comments about former defenseman Akim Aliu in his Sunday piece.
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The former hockey player has been present for a few years on the public scene to promote diversity in hockey. He is also one of the co-founders of the “Alliance for Diversity in Hockey”. In November 2019, Aliu denounced racist remarks by instructor Bill Peters against him during the 2009-2010 season in the American League. While serving as head coach of the Calgary Flames, the pilot had resigned.
“Nobody wants to say that because of the political correctness police and all, but those who have been Akim Aliu’s coaches have to cringe every time they see him in a report or an advertisement to talk about what wrong with hockey,” Simmons wrote.
“As if he knew what he was talking about. According to my calculations, Aliu played for 23 teams in nine different leagues in 12 professional seasons and rarely finished a season with the same team he started with. If it was color related, how come Wayne Simmonds spent roughly the same 12 seasons playing in the NHL?
Aliu reacted to this comment in a video posted on his Twitter account.
“People like Steve are what’s wrong with our society,” he said. This is the first time in history that racism has been part of the conversation in hockey. I think my history and what the Alliance does are the main reasons for that. Steve, you have absolutely no idea what me and my family have been through physically and mentally since I started playing hockey.”
“You are a racist and an arrogant. You have no credibility and no respect from your own colleagues in the media and athletes. If the Toronto Sun had any integrity, you’d never write another column again. I tell you again, but you will never divide us and we will always be stronger together,” Aliu concluded.
The man from Nigeria has received support from several people on social networks, including Florida Panthers forward Anthony Duclair.
“Steve Simmons, you’re a clown for thinking you’re dividing any of us. You have no idea what we’ve all been through. I don’t even know why you still have a voice after your silly column today,” reacted the Quebecer on Twitter.