Show your support for Wayne Simmonds!

Philly is behind you 100% percent Wayne.

Thank you, Wayne for rising above and being the better man in a situation in which everyone would have understood if you had not. Rest assured, the actions of the bigot in the crowd are not an acceptable display by a hockey fan, nor by a human being. I only wish the idiot had the courage to face you like a man rather than hiding in the crowd and slinking back into the night like the coward he is.

I am sorry you had to run into someone so hateful. Sadly, there are others living in this world with the same world view and as a society, we are not past these issues. But don’t let hateful people get you down. Continue to do as you did tonight and rise above it all. Maybe this incident can get people around the world and those who were once ignorant can now begin to understand the issues of race in sports. Hopefully this starts conversations that need to happen.

Continue to stand up against this intolerance, Wayne, and I look forward to seeing you perform with the Philadelphia Flyers.

I’m sorry about what you had to endure tonight. That is simply ridiculous. I can’t believe someone would do something like that, but way to be the bigger person and stay classy (and even score) after that. Know that Sharks fans remain behind you 100%.

Wayne, you should never have to be treated this way, since your play on the ice is all that should matter. Philly will absolutely love you for what you bring to the team, and you’ve already earned our respect and appreciation. Kudos for handling such a negative act with class and maturity, but I can only hope it’s an issue you don’t have to deal with again.

The world has no place for acts like this. However, acting as you did is inspiring to everyone to keep a level head when faced with a personal slight against you. I wasn’t sure about you coming in, since you were traded for my favorite athlete, but count me as a fan now. Looking forward to what you can offer us this year and beyond.

I’m truly sorry to hear about tonight’s events. Rise above the hate and stay strong, my friend! Go kick some ass this year, and go Flyers.

You are the man. You have been REALLY impressive this preseason and I can’t wait to see you tear it up this year. As for the racism thing, you handled it as perfectly as anyone could have asked for, and your class is obvious to all of us. I hope you know that Flyers fans are furious at the events that transpired this evening and we have your back 110%. You’re an inspiring person and I hope you’re a Flyer for a long time to come.

Excited to have you in Philly. When you put on the Orange and Black you’ve got a whole city behind you. That’s on and off the ice. Good times and bad. Keep doing what you do.

The resilience of human ignorance and bigotry never fails to astound me. What happened to you was absolutely disgusting. The way you handled it wasn’t about having “class”, but was a display of the personal strength and endurance necessary to thrive in an overwhelmingly homogeneous community. Keep doing your thing.

rec’d in support

Wayne, tonight you showed incredible class and dignity in the face of this small-minded, bigoted and ignorant act. No one should ever have to put up with this kind of act but you showed how it was possible to rise above it and be the bigger person – and in doing so you have inspired us all, regardless of where our team loyalties may lie.

Good luck to you this season and beyond, sir…you’ve gained a new fan tonight.

Its 2011!!! And he was a couple hours from where he grew up.

Hope someone gets founded out and mocked for that.

Just keep on going Wayne, pay little mind to the product of a small mind and a bad upbringing.

this kid is solid, he is gonna make-up for the loss of richards in the physical dept. love the break-neck speed he has….already won me over. black, white, red, blue…whatever.

i do wonder tho if the guy that threw it told the security guard that check him into the arena that there was no banana, just happy to see him? : )

Your talent on the ice and your maturity off the ice are qualities I truly admire.
Thank you

You would think that living in the ‘00s that this “ish” wouldn’t happen. It’s just plain despicable; it’s downright dangerous. There is no room for this in any society. I applaud you and the way you handled yourself. Way to handle yourself with class and dignity despite some random racist and xenophobic jackass.

Wayne, I look forward to seeing you work hard to help the Flyers hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup this season. Keep up the hard work, you exemplify what it means to be a Philadelphia Flyer.

“Why be black, when I could be a human being?”

We’re behind you, Wayne. “Excellence is the best deterrent to racism.”

Wayne, as a fellow human being, I hereby announce my intent to pummel the hell out of any douchebag who tries pulling this shit around me. Please enjoy your time in Philly.

Wayne your a class act.

new favorite flyer seriously dont let the haters keep you down

Wayne,
At no point is such behavior as was witnessed tonight ever okay. Such unbridled ignorance, intolerance, and above all idiocy, is for lack of a better word disgusting. The way you have carried yourself not only tonight, but throughout your young career, has proven that you are a fantastic ambassador for our great sport. Your professionalism and class are a wonderful reminder that we can all move beyond the disgrace of the events last night. Cannot wait to see you play for years to come, Wayne. Go Flyers.

Stay classy, Wayne. Don’t let the haters bother you. At the end of the day, they’re just petty, jealous, ignorant fools.

You’re at the top of your field. That low-life wishes he could be where you are. That’s all that really matters.

Whoever threw the banana- feel shame. Stuff like this shouldn’t be happening.

Rec’d.

I hope Mr. Simmonds can forgive and forget, but I sincerely wish he didn’t have to.

Disgraceful. Isn’t it time for racism to cease? Isn’t it past time? Way to rise above it Wayne! Good show!

You are a class act, Wayne. And to that I say: “Party on, Wayne.”

 We love ya. You are a Great hockey player and mature guy. Well handled

When you were traded here I was very excited even with the departure of our old Captain. Can’t wait to see you in action in person – sounds like you have already shrugged off this BS, but know that there’s a whole lot of us who find it appalling and will always be behind you.

It’s great to see such an outpouring of support for Wayne. It’s unfortunate that someone’s single braincell misfired into this thought. I was excited to see you play here in Orange and Black. Your response to this was all class.

I understand from my heart what your feelings may have been after it happened but you know that we all have your back. You are already making us proud, dude.

There will probably always be some moronic contingent in society.
By staying classy, you’re soaring above them.

You have the respect and support of the great majority.

When various discussions have come up at the fan site I frequent, most of the fans of my team wish you were with our team – that should tell you something.

Its all been said above….Sorry Wayne

that is all

I don’t know if I can express in words how much I admire and respect you for the way you handled such a vile act of hatred. Thank you for being a wonderful example of maturity and class. It is an absolute honor and privilege to cheer for you and have you as a member of the Flyers.

Best of luck this season. Flyers fans will be behind you always!

When Simmonds was with the Kings and wore the all black King uniform, I once wrote “He highly resembles Darth Vader.” I advised him that he was living in LA (with my best old ex friend Ray), and he needed to invest in some sunblock.

But, I’ve always really enjoyed watching that guy play, and was clamoring for the Hawks to pick up either Simmonds of Joel Ward this year. They are both very good, intense working fowards that are a joy to watch. (although Wayne seemed to want to pick a fight with Brouwer all the time when they played against each other. That probably was the only time I wanted to see Darth get his ass kicked.)

Wayne, please know that assholes will be assholes – it’s a joy watching you compete and you serve as an inspiration to many kids, both white and black.

my son has a few black kids on his H.S. team. Last year, one of the mental midgets on the other team called one of them a “nigger” why they were shaking hands after the game. I told my son if that ever happens again you need to take action. Hockey is a team sport – you can’t let that type of comment go without a response. Hell, at least say something profound like “Joe mama.”

You’d like to think we’ve come a long way from the days of Jackie Robinson, one of the most amazing athletes, and greatest story in sports. And we have, in my opinion – certainly based on the many responses on this site. It seems like most of the people here know Wayne is indeed, “SOMETHING THE LORD MADE.”

That is acurate and we are all equals! Thanks for being a Flyer Wayne and I hope to see you for many years to come making life on the other team hell. Can’t wait to see you get a Gordie Howe hat trick out there. Good luck on your first year as a member of the Orange and Black!!!

your class in handling this show that you are truly the better man. Go Flyers!!!

I always thought hockey fans had more class, but bad apples I guess. Wayne Simmonds shouldn’t have to put up with that crap, hope he has a good season.

Despite the fact that I just wrote a lengthy post on this matter, I’m at a loss for words here. There is no place in the world for such acts of hatred. You’re a classy guy, Wayne, and I’m elated to have you as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers.

First off….BEAUTIFUL backhander/top shelf on the shoot out goal last night!! That you scored that goal under those circumstances makes it only that much more impressive!!!.
Secondly you will find very quickly that Flyers fans will love you for what you bring to the ice. Keep playing hard and try your best to ignore the a-holes in the world.
You are going to love it here with the Flyers and look forward to a long career for you in the Orange and Black!

That’s the only way this kind of crap will ever end – when morons learn their antics won’t bring them the attention they desire.

damn the man.

Can you say new fan favorite?

Way to handle the BS ignorance last night. Flyer fans will absolutely be behind you. You’re exactly the kind of player that gets revered in Philly: Works tail off on ice/field; handles self with dignity off ice/field; succeeds on ice/field by combining work ethic and talent.

You’re destined for legend status ’round here if you keep this up.

Peace and much respect,
40-year fan

As a Blackhawks fan, I’m glad you’re in the EC now! As a closet (ohwhatagiveaway!) Flyers fan, I’m glad Philly is where you landed!

If your strength of character wasn’t obvious to everyone before, it is now. ANY team would be lucky to have you.

You have an amazing way of staying grounded and classy in a way that some people can only dream of. You’re an example of how we can overcome and shun these sort of disgusting displays of ignorance and intolerance.

This sickening situation has done exactly the opposite of what that horrible person was trying to accomplish. Their hate has made us stronger. It hasn’t just brought us as Flyers Nation together as one to rally behind you, it has brought hockey as a whole together to show this isn’t what we tolerate, this isn’t what we stand for as a collective whole. For every idiot out there who will disrespect you, there are ten of us who have your back.

It’s an honor to have you on our team. You are loved, you are respected and you are a true warrior.

I know I look forward to watching you shine this season. Thank God you’re a Flyer. Keep being fantastic at what you do.

XOXO

Good to see so many people coming together to support a single player in the league like this. Wouldn’t happen in any other sport I don’t think. Hockey fans truly are one of a kind. Keep your head up, Wayne, not that I need to tell you that. There are a lot more good people ion the world then bad.

Idiots ,whether bigots or not are in the end still idiots. Wayne your in good hands in Philadelphia. We will ride and die with you just give us your all and we will return the favor. I’ve been in your situation before and I suspect that like me you will just keep doing your thing and let the idiots keep on hating their own lives.

Last night’s display of crass prejudice has no place in life — let alone hockey, which is — as we’ve learned time and time again — filled with caring, giving, and generous players and fans.

While no one has come forward to accept responsibility for the repulsive act, it’s certainly likely that it was some jackass that was rooting for my Detroit Red Wings. If there’s anything I’d like Mr. Simmonds to take away from this, it’s that the actions of one braindead reject don’t reflect the values and beliefs of the masses. When given a chance, fans of the Red Wings are among the best in the business — and we’d be lucky to have a player of Wayne Simmonds’ caliber added to the ranks.

That things like this need to be written in 2011 is picture proof that we haven’t come as far as we’d like to pretend we have, and despite never even dreaming of such a display, I’d like to apologize on behalf of hockey.

Wayne, you are a beautiful human being. People like you are a true inspiration. I love you.

The Joseph household supports you Wayne. You’re also a super hottie, and you remind me of Mayberry Jr.

Wayne, I must say that Philadelphia is honored to have a player like you on the team. You are fast, strong, and obviously coolheaded under pressure. It’s horrible that one of your first experiences on the ice with us had to end like that. We, as fans, are always going to be there to support you and by the sounds of it, the other players have your back, too. I look forward to an exciting season with you on the Flyers!

Wayne, I know most pro-athletes try to avoid all the media hooplah of their own sport, but I hope someone points this corner of blogdom out to you.

There’s more than just a city that supports you and having you play so well in its sport. We Flyer’s fans are just the ones lucky enough to get to cheer with you every step of the way.

The fans that sat next to this person and said nothing or saw nothing after TWO bananas were thrown are deeply implicated in this act of racism.

We fans have an obligation to confront racism when it emanates from the season ticket bozo in the seat in front of us. When you don’t say something, you are sending an implicit message to the racist that you agree with his/her agenda.

Dare to seem rude and contentious. Make yourself heard.

You’re a class act Wayne, don’t let it get to you.

I’d like to see this person throw anything in your direction without the cowardly cloak of anonymity. Just keep stickin’ it too them Wayne – I thought your reaction showed class and poise, and the bigot who did this, and those who think alike, are pretty much universally condemned by people everywhere. But you can’t win them all, or change every mind – There will always be people with sub-gumpian IQ’s who need to lash out. To hell with em.

The last company I worked for was hesitant to hire me in a full-time capacity. Why? It wasn’t because I was under-qualified or anything like that. I was trying to work in subsidized housing for single mothers and their children. The staff were all black women, as were most of the residents. The staff were concerned because most residents’ only interactions with white males (like myself) were when they dealt with police, lawyers, judges, etc. In other words, their experiences with – and treatment from – white males were pretty lousy.

I got the job anyway, and over time the residents came to feel comfortable with me. When I left two weeks ago, the residents all told me how amazing it was that I treated everyone equally and cared about all of them. It made me feel good to know I made a difference in their lives, but it also made me angry to think about all of the crap they had to endure before I showed up.

I didn’t hear about this until I got home from classes today and it infuriated me. But worse yet, I’m not at all surprised to read about something like this happening. There is an awful lot of hate and foolishness in the world, and it endures in various forms. It is passed on from one generation to the next because it is taught. Sadly, so long as there are people on this earth, there will be various forms of hatred. And a small piece of it came flying right at you last night.

Folks, this is beyond stupidity, ignorance, or “we should know better by now.” It is hate. There are a ton of hateful people in this world. It’s depressing.

Wayne, you did the right thing by turning the other cheek and you are to be highly commended for it. If more people follow your example in hateful situations, then we can make some real progress. My deepest condolences to you for what happened, and my highest respect to you for the way you handled it.

Go Flyers.

Great post, Chemistry.

Wayne, I am looking forward to see what you bring the Flyers. Your response, or lack thereof, to tonight only serves as evidence that you are a classy guy and definitely someone I can get behind.

Not to mention tearing it up in the preseason so far.

Mr. Simmonds,
I am truly shocked and saddened by the type of ignorant behavior shown at the recent hockey game in London, Ontario. As shown by the many posts showing support on your behalf, I would like to add mine. White, Black, Silver, whatever; we are all human beings (some of us act less human, such as the unknown thing the other day). Hope you have a much happier upcoming season.
 
 

Wayne- There’s not a whole lot that I can say that hasn’t already been said, but I would like to assure you that nothing of this will ever happen in Philly, we are the best, the most loyal, and the most passionate fans you will ever play for. I am proud to have you on our team and I believe that you will be a star for years to come.
Best of luck!

But no matter how great a sport it is, it has always took the backseat to th NFL, NBA and MLB, highlights are rarely shown on ESPN and the only news we get to see is negative, such as the Matt Cooke concussion incidents, Chara’s hit on Pacioretty and now Simmonds getting a banana thrown at him.

Obviously, Simmonds is one of the few black players in a sport with mostly white fans, we get that. Alot of the black players have had to deal with racism and if I recall Chris Simon had a incident with Mike Grier in the late 90s. Now let’s get past all this racist bull and worry about what really matters.