(Publisher’s Note: On Aug. 4. LVSportsBiz.com published a column written by Air Force veteran/Golden Knights fan Jason Griego about why he believed VGK player Ryan Reaves did not disrespect the military and flag by taking a knee during the VGK-Dallas game during the round-robin round. Some VGK fans agreed. Some did not. VGK fan Marie Ayers said she disagreed with Reaves taking a knee and will no longer watch VGK games. She explained why in this essay that she posted on her Facebook page. saying that not watching VGK hockey is “like a death to me, there’s a big whole, pain, missing that which I love. You never get over the loss of that which you live, you just learn to go on living.”)
By Marie Ayers for LVSportsBiz.com
Anyone that knows me knows I have been a huge Vegas Golden Knights Fan from the get-go.
I was one of the Commitment Season Ticket Holders that put up more than $12.000.00 a year for Sec1-RowM-Seat 11-12, for 3 years to get hockey here in Las Vegas.
I knew and believed in our team before they hit the ice. I knew they would be just what this town needed!
They were there for us after the 1 October Tragedy. We weren’t just fans anymore. We became VGK Family.
I have made wonderful friends that I love, and have so many wonderful memories because of VGK. Hockey is the only sport I am a fan of. The whole experience is awe-inspiring.
No matter how bad my day was I could forget everything when VGK was playing
During these trying times I was saddened to see #ryanreeves Bend The Knee during the National Anthem, and I knew the once Patriotic sport I loved allowed politics on the ice.
I believe in our Flag, National Anthem , and Country and I cannot support anything that disrespects this country that I love.
I am proud of all our players that did stand even under the Immense pressure not to do so , and I would proudly of shown support for #ryanreeves at a proper forum.
So for now I am living a life without Hockey and my Vegas Golden Knights.
I do hope I get to keep all you amazing friends that shared and enriched my life
I have hope that the ugly political door will close one day and keep it what it should be about — “ The Sport “ where we can once again escape the real crazy world we live in now and be united together in our love for this awesome sport
FYI I will be giving away all my extra posters from the last 3 years (I have lots!) to those of you wanting to complete your collections or just want a poster of your favorite player. You can PM me with what you want
(In a follow-up email to me, Ayers wrote, “I have gotten hundreds of messages , let alone comments, so I see the division. It morphs into BLM, White Privileged, Trump etc . My Message is No Politics in Sports, In sports we are unbreakable United. Reeves could easily off the ice and away from controversy call for support of his cause which I would of gladly stood by him.”)