The people behind a fan podcast about the Columbus Blue Jackets have apologized for mentioning suicide about a forward who participates in the NHL/NHLPA assistance program and vowed to take steps to right the wrong.
The comment was made on the latest B&B Roundtable podcast, where members discussed the number of Blue Jackets players who are out of the lineup. One person, “Zack,” made a comment about Patrik Laine, who joined the support program on January 28th.
When the clip was posted on social media, it sparked an immediate reaction. Rain hadn't posted on X (formerly Twitter) in over a year, but she wrote, “This is bad.” Elaine Shercliffe was a guest on the podcast. she said she would never show up Again, I said, “Suicide is not a joke.”
Three people who appeared on the podcast, LiL Boomer, SC Steve, and Zack, apologized to Lane, the team, and the fans.
“I should have said something then and caught him,” Lil Boomer said. “I didn't. It's my fault.”
He said he was stepping away from the podcast to “face myself and get my head straight.”
Steve laughed at Zack's comment and apologized to Lane for his reaction. “That was a mistake,” he said. “I’m still hoping that I can get some help from being part of the player support program.”
Zack apologized for his “very bad comments” and said he has left the X's and canceled his Blue Jackets season tickets.
Each said they would donate to a Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation program focused on mental health awareness supported by Reign.
Octagon Agency, which represents Reign, said in a statement: “While we appreciate his apology for his comments on the podcast, words have consequences.” said in a statement. “Suicide is not a punchline. We continue to firmly condemn such language and continue to advocate for mental health awareness.”
He urged fans to donate to the foundation in order to “turn this moment into a catalyst for positive change.”
Blue Jackets spokesman Todd Sherlock told the Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA TODAY Network, that as of Tuesday afternoon, fans had donated more than 200 people, bringing the total to $10,000. It is said that it exceeded the dollar amount.
Lil Boomer said, “I hope this (comment) doesn't end us, but if it does, I totally understand.”
