For fans were ejected from a hockey game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals on Saturday, Feb. 17 after they chanted “Basketball” at a player in the penalty box.
Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly was sent to the penalty box during the third and final period of Saturday night’s game, played in Chicago’s United Center.
The penalty box is separated from the fans by only a single sheet of Plexiglas—it is one of the only places in a hockey arena where a fan can get close to a player.
Four Chicago fans began chanting “Basketball, basketball,” at Smith-Pelly. The Capitals player stood and turned to the fans and exchanged words with them before a game official stepped in.
“What was said this time around crossed the line.”
In that same post-game interview Smith Perry said, “It’s sad that in 2018 we’re still talking about the same thing over and over.”
“It’s sad that athletes like myself 30, 40 years ago were standing in the same spot saying the same thing.
“You‘d think there’d be some sort of change or progression, but we’re still working towards it I guess and we’re going to keep working towards it.”
Smith-Perry is one of 30 black players in the NHL and one of two on the Capitals
Smith-Perry said after the game that while he was no stranger to such comments, he was tired of silently ignoring them.
“You’ve got to start calling people out and making sure other people see people’s true colors.”
