Members Of Los Angeles Youth Hockey Team Suspended Over Hitler Salute
A youth hockey team in Los Angeles has come under fire over a video showing a player making a Nazi salute as others make anti-Semitic remarks. Image by iStock
(JTA) — Three coaches and 15 players from a youth hockey team in Los Angeles have been suspended over a video posted on social media showing a player making a Nazi salute as other players make anti-Semitic remarks.
The Los Angeles Jr. Kings announced the suspensions of coaches and players from the 14U Bantam AAA team on Friday.
The brief, nine-second video was posted on social media on March 9, The Athletic NHL website reported. In the video, players can be heard saying “Are you a Nazi?” “fk the Jews,” and fking Jews.”
Steve Yovetich, president of LA Jr Kings Hockey, said in a statement that: “We are a club that prides itself on being a community; one that fosters values such as friendship, respect and teamwork, and upholds ideals like diversity, equality and tolerance.”
“Two significant components of community are responsibility and accountability, and the LAJK recognize the importance of action beyond words. We have long claimed we foster the growth of student-athletes and leaders both on and off the ice. It is the LAJK community’s responsibility now to show how our actions contribute to both, and hold ourselves accountable to accomplishing these goals,” the statement continued. It added: “The events on March 9 are regretful to many, especially the players and parents. We will work together to educate and grow, and in this regard lead with action.”
Yovetich said that the players will be required to participate in “a mandatory educational program comprised of sensitivity and social media training administered by outside professionals experienced in impactful positive youth education.”
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