“After careful consideration and discussions with those close to me, I have realized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being”.
That’s what NHL star Patrik Laine wrote on Instagram two weeks ago, shortly after his club Columbus Blue Jackets announced that the 25-year-old will be off the ice indefinitely.
The Finn has been enrolled in the NHL’s support program.
– The only thing we care about is his well-being, said Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen.
The Finnish superstar, who was drafted second in 2016, has since received support and well wishes from all corners.
But now he himself has gone out and put his foot down.
This is after the podcast B&B Round Table, which is run by supporters of the Columbus Blue Jackets, discussed the state of their own player’s health and suggested that he should be suicidal.
Patrik Laine’s response after the joke
In a clip that is spreading on social media, several people in the pod studio can be seen having difficulty holding back laughter after the claim.
Laine himself has commented on the mentioned incident on X.
“This is simply not okay,” he writes.
And he gets the support of many.
“This is pure dung, Patrik. Wish you the best. Take the time you need and do what is best for you and your family,” writes hockey reporter Chris Johnston.
“We stand firm in our condemnation of this type of language and continue to advocate for mental illness awareness,” writes Laine’s own agent agency Octagon Hockey.
One of those who participated in the episode has now announced that she will not be returning to the podcast.
“Hey all. I was on a podcast last night where there was a joke that I didn’t understand. That’s why I didn’t laugh. Today I was told that it was a suicide joke. Suicide is no joke,” she signs X.
