Penguins Jason Zucker: It’s Us vs. Racism

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Jason Zucker was pointed and firm in a statement released via social media on Monday night. As racial justice protests continued to spread across the country in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Zucker challenged everyone and cited support for former teammate JT Brown who joined the protests of the U.S. national anthem in 2017.

“It is us vs. racism,” Zucker began.

Zucker, who is one of 10 American born Penguins, didn’t tread lightly into the subject matter.

“…When your children ask you about this time, when they learn about George Floyd in the history books, what will you say YOU did in response to racism and injustice?”

The Penguins acquired Zucker from Minnesota in February for top defenseman prospect Calen Addison, a first-round pick in either 2020 or 2021 pending the Penguins lottery protection, and winger Alex Galchenyuk.

Zucker has three years remaining on his contract with a $5.5 AAV.

“At the very VERY least, you can use your voice. I am pro justice. I am pro racial equality. I am pro accountability. Black Lives Matter,” Zucker wrote. “I will never know the plight of our black community, but you have my support and my voice. Black Lives Matter.”

Zucker also praised Brown for his activism. On Oct. 7, 2017, Brown joined the national anthem protests when he raised a fist during the anthem.

Here is the full Jason Zucker statement:

“It is us vs. racism. One of the most powerful things I continue to read during this time is: When your children ask you about this time, when they ask you about this time, when they learn about George Floyd in our history books, what will you say YOU did in response to racism and injustice?

At the very VERY least, you can use your voice. I am pro justice. I am pro racial equality. I am pro accountability. Black Lives Matter,” Zucker wrote. “I will never know the plight of our black community, but you have my support and my voice. Black lives matter. I will never know the plight of our black community, but you have my support and my voice. My former teammate JT Brown has been and continues to be an example of advocacy and when he peacefully protested on a global platform, he deserved the full support of his teammates, the NHL, and fans. Supporting him silently was not and is not enough. To be better, we must listen, learn, and take action.

My most important action will always be to teach my children what is just, what is true equality, and what their responsibility is to our community.

We also believe it’s our financial responsibility to support and we will continue donating to rebuild minority-owned businesses that were affected during the protests. Black Lives Matter.”

*Editor’s Note: The original version of the story incorrectly identified JT Miller, not JT Brown as Zucker’s former teammate.