Episode Details

Congressman Joe Wilson is demanding action from the NHL after Alex Ovechkin appeared in a campaign ad for Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party, calling it “shameful” and urging Commissioner Gary Bettman to investigate. Though Ovechkin didn’t speak, his presence in the pro-Putin video—filmed during his offseason stay in Russia—has sparked outrage. The Capitals say he was asked to participate while visiting family and that they’re focused on the upcoming season. This isn’t Ovechkin’s first brush with Putin politics—he even launched a “PutinTeam” in 2017 and later called for peace amid Ukraine’s invasion, while still declaring Putin his president. Wilson argues athletes are often weaponized by Russia’s regime and insists Ovechkin’s involvement can’t be ignored, especially since the ad features Maria Lvova-Belova, an ICC arrestee for child deportations. He wants assurances the NHL doesn’t endorse such ties and demands consequences for aligning with what he calls a “war criminal,” though he hasn’t received a response yet.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://foxwilmington.com/republican-congressman-presses-nhl-over-alex-ovechkins-appearance-in-putin-party-campaign-ad/

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