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Sean Avery Kinda Gets Canadian TV Sports Host Fired

Jen Chung

Published May 13, 2011

Modified May 13, 2011

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Jen Chung

Published May 13, 2011

Modified May 13, 2011

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Rangers left wing Sean Avery may be a nitwit. He may also be a horrible ex-boyfriend. But Avery stands up for what he believes in, as shown by his support for gay marriage in New York. The Human Rights Campaign released a public service announcement from the controversial player last week, prompting sport industry figures to praise and criticize him, notably sports agent Todd Reynolds chiding on Twitter, "Very sad to read Sean Avery's misguided support of same-gender "marriage". Legal or not, it will always be wrong." Now, a Canadian TV host has found himself without a job after saying on Twitter, "I completely and whole-heartedly support Todd Reynolds and his support for the traditional and TRUE meaning of marriage."

Damian Goddard was a freelance contractor working for Rogers Sportnet. After Goddard's comments, Rogers issued a statement saying his view "do not reflect the views of Rogers Sportsnet," claiming that the decision to fire him was not sudden, "In recent weeks it had become clear that he is not the right fit for our organization." Goddard told the Toronto Star, "In terms of what I said, I stand by it... I'm a devout Roman Catholic. It's not about hate at all."

As for Reynolds, he has tried to explain, "To clarify. This is not hatred or bigotry towards gays. It is not intolerance in any way shape or form. I believe we are all equal... But I believe in the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. This is my personal viewpoint. I Do not hate anyone." His father and partner in Uptown Sports, Don Reynolds, said, "The majority, I think, of Canadians would say that they don’t agree with gay marriage - that man and woman were created to be married, not man and man or man and horse, you know?"

Here's Avery's PSA where he says, "I’m Sean Avery and I’m a New Yorker for marriage equality. I treat everyone the way I expect to be treated and that applies to marriage. Committed couples should be able to marry the person they love. Join me in supporting marriage equality."

Tagged

damian goddard

equal rights

gay marriage

hockey

homophobia

ignorance

rangers

roman catholic

sean avery

todd reynolds

Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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