Sharks' Ward not ruling out kneeling during national anthem

San Jose Sharks forward Joel Ward isn't closing the door on joining fellow professional athletes in taking a knee during the national anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality.

"It's definitely something I wouldn't cross out," Ward said when asked by the Mercury News whether he'd consider taking a knee during the national anthem at an upcoming Sharks game.

"I've experienced a lot of racism myself in hockey and on a day-to-day occurrence. I haven't really sat down to think about it too much yet, but I definitely wouldn't say no to it."

Ward, a Canadian born to Barbadian immigrants, wears No. 42 in tribute to Jackie Robinson, and has been prey to racial profiling and slurs on both sides of the border throughout his life. Notably, he was subject to a barrage of racially-charged tweets after scoring a Game 7 overtime goal against the Boston Bruins in 2012.

As such, he deeply relates to the protest spurred by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

"I've had a few things that have happened to me that you could say are not the norm," he said. "I've been singled out at different events. I've been pulled over. I've dealt with racism right to my face.

"It's just been part of life that you always have to deal with, so when people get into Kaepernick and some of these other guys, saying that they're disrespecting the flag, it's not about just that. It's about creating awareness about what people, like myself, go through on a day-to-day basis, whether it's going to the mall or whatever."

If Ward were to decide to kneel, he'd have the support of Sharks head coach Pete DeBoer.

"I went to law school. I'm a big freedom of speech guy. Everyone has the right to message how they want to," said DeBoer.

"That's what makes our countries great, Canada and the U.S., is the freedom to able to express yourself if you feel like you've been wronged or there's an injustice."

The Sharks open their regular season on Oct. 4 at home to Philadelphia.

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