Rangers' Sean Avery blasted for gay rights video

TORONTO - Sean Avery's support for same-sex marriage has drawn fire from hockey agent Todd Reynolds.

"Very sad to read Sean Avery's misguided support of same-gender 'marriage.' Legal or not, it will always be wrong," tweeted Reynolds. He's the vice president of Ontario-based Uptown Sports Management, which counts Chris Neil, Cody McCormick and Mike Fisher among its hockey clients.

Avery, the New York Rangers agitator who is known for making headlines on and off the ice, stated his support for same-sex marriage in a video that is part of the New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign, organized by gay-rights organization Human Rights Campaign.

"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," Avery says in the video.

"Committed couples should be able to marry the person they love," he adds. "Join me in supporting marriage equality."

"The places I've played and lived the longest have been in West Hollywood, Calif., when I played for the L.A. Kings, and when I moved to New York, I lived in Chelsea for the first four years," Avery said in a phone interview with the New York Times. "I certainly have been surrounded by the gay community. And living in New York and when you live in L.A., you certainly have a lot of gay friends."

After his initial tweet, Reynolds issued several more.

"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."

He also tweeted: "But I believe in the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. This is my personal viewpoint. I Do not hate anyone."

In a subsequent radio interview, Reynolds said he was just saying what he believes.

"I believe in voicing your opinion and not being part of the silent majority," he told TSN radio. "If Sean Avery or any other player can comment on one side of the discussion then — I work in hockey, I'm in hockey 24-7 — why can I not comment on it as well?"

Others who have taken part in the marriage equality videos include former president Bill Clinton, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and actors Julianne Moore and Sam Waterston.

[inketolstoy]

The hypocrisy of modern liberals. Applauding one man for his chracter in speaking up for what he believes, attacking another for speaking up for what he believes because it doesn't meet their own philosophy. Then you preach about "fundamentalist "My way or else" thinkers."

[realist2010]

I believe in equal rights for those who choose to be openly conservative, just keep them away from our children.

[amulette]

Cheers to you Mr.Avery.How "sad" YOU are Mr.Reynolds.

[voxpopulus]

Thanks Sean Avery. Nice to see not all sportsmen live down to the Neanderthal stereotype.

[illcountryboy]

Pro athletes - remember Reynolds and his stand on equal rights for all. Then take your stand when it comes to hiring him. Sean Avery has more guts than most and applaud his willingness to stand up for what he believes is fair and just. Couple more like him and I could start to like hockey again.

[CWOODS8178]

GAY MARRIAGE IS WRONG NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS. WE WILL ALL REAP WHAT WE SOW.

[Commonsense411]

I have the feeling your fields are already barren.....

[Commonsense411]

Please send an email directly to Mr. Reynolds with your opinion:

[e-mail]

[Commonsense411]

Memo to Todd Reynolds:

You're in Toronto, which is "sad" for you. This issue is in New York City, you know, in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Please keep your nose out of our business and stick to political issues in your country. We could care less about Canada and we all could care even less about your antique viewpoint...you got me? Or should I type this over in French?

Equality isn't an ideal, it's a right.

[robbyr2]

Don't blame the progressive Canadians. Same sex marriage is legal all across Canada. Bigots are bigots wherever they come from.

[us_1776]

Sean, keep working for equality for all people no matter what their sexual-orientation.

It's a noble cause. And one that needs more public figures speaking out on behalf of full equality for all.


.

[Former_Marine_Sgt]

"Very sad to read Sean Avery's misguided support of same-gender 'marriage.' Legal or not, it will always be wrong,"

"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."

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These statements read to me like any other fundamentalist "My way or else" thinkers.

What it comes across as is: "My way of thinking is the ONLY right way to think. If you say anything opposing me, tough."

This nation was founded on allowing freedom of thought, freedom of religion, freedom of opinion, freedom of speech and freedom of action. This clown clearly doesn't understand any of that beyond freedom of speech.