Month: July 2021

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday, saying in a statement: “For more than 15 years, I’ve been on an incredible, life-changing journey with the Nashville Predators that has taken me to more places than I could have ever imagined and given me more than I could ever hope to give back. This decision wasn’t easy, but I know this is the right one at the right time. As I announce my retirement, I’m thankful for my parents, sisters, fiancé Erika, everyone in the Predators organization – management, coaches and trainers – my teammates and my youth coaches back in Finland. Last but not least, I’m thankful for the people of Nashville. Each of you helped me grow into the man, father and person I am today.”

The 38-year-old Rinne made his NHL debut with the Preds during the 2005-06 season and spent his entire 15-year NHL career in Nashville, appearing in 683 regular-season games, making 666 starts and going 369-213-75 with a 2.43 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and 60 shutouts. Rinne was a four-time All-Star, and ranks first in Nashville history in virtually every major goaltending category, including wins, GAA and shutouts.

Rinne is one of only 12 goalies in NHL history with at least 350 wins and 60 shutouts. Eight of them are members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. He led the Predators to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, their only Final appearance in franchise history.

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ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith once again apologized on Tuesday after his insensitive remarks about Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani’s use of an interpreter. In a segment on ESPN’s morning talk show “First Take,” Smith said Monday that Ohtani, a Japanese-born player who has drawn comparisons to Babe Ruth, couldn’t be the face of the sport because he uses an interpreter. Said Smith: “I understand that baseball is an international sport itself in terms of participation, but when you talk about an audience gravitating to the tube or to the ballpark, to actually watch you, I don’t think it helps that the number one face is a dude that needs an interpreter, so you can understand what the hell he’s saying in this country.”

Smith offered an apology late Monday, saying: “As an African-American, keenly aware of the damage stereotyping has done to many in this country, it should’ve elevated my sensitivities even more. I screwed up. In this day and age, with all the violence being perpetrated against the Asian Community, my comments — albeit unintentional — were clearly insensitive and regrettable. I’m sincerely sorry for any angst I’ve caused with my comments.”  On Tuesday, Smith used his opening remarks on ESPN’s morning talk show “First Take” to again apologize: “I want to express my sincere apologies to the Asian community and the Asian American community. I am a Black man. I religiously go off about minorities being marginalized in this nation.”

Smith was widely criticized, including backlash from his fellow colleagues. Former ESPN commentator Keith Olbermann called for his suspension, saying his comments were particularly dangerous at a time of heightened anti-Asian violence.

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