Connor McDavid issues a statement to the public

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T. Tadi
May 27, 2021 (9:42)

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Since the Edmonton Oilers were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Winnipeg Jets earlier this week, Lenasia Ned, Ethan Bear's girlfriend, posted an Instagram message yesterday saying that the 23-year-old Bear has received "numerous racist messages and comments" online.

Courtney Therieault, an Edmonton-based journalist, relayed Lenasia's message:

Bear, who is 23 years old and of Cree ancestry, grew up in the Ochapowace Nation near Whitewood, Saskatchewan. He's been open throughout his career about encountering racism and ignorance from fans, opponents, and even teammates. Bear issued a public statement yesterday via the Oilers' social media platform, condemning these heinous, racist acts.

Take a look:

This courageous message from Bear prompted Oilers captain Connor McDavid to make his own public statement on the matter. Something we rarely see from the quiet superstar.

Check it out:

I can't help but feel that these racist idiots wouldn't be coming at Bear if it was the Oilers who swept the Jets earlier this week.

Further factoring into things is likely the fact that it was Bear's errant pass that found it's way onto Kyle Connor's stick for the triple-OT winner on Monday night. If you want to blame Game 4's loss on Bear's mis-play then by all means, go right ahead. But if you come at him because he's from a different culture than you... well then you're just a complete lost cause.

Credit: HockeyFeed

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