Hockey Manager Slams Avery's Activism

An executive at a management firm that represents several professional hockey players came out against New York Rangers left wing Sean Avery, who has joined the fight for marriage equality.

"Very sad to read Sean Avery's misguided support of same-gender 'marriage,'" Uptown Sports Vice President Todd Reynolds wrote on Twitter Monday, using the company's account. "Legal or not, it will always be wrong."

After receiving negative feedback for his statement, Reynolds wrote, "To clarify. This is not hatred or bigotry towards gays. It is not intolerance in any way shape or form. I believe we are all equal...But I believe in the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. This is my personal viewpoint. I do not hate anyone."

Avery is not signed with Uptown Sports, an Ontario-based firm.

Avery appeared in a video for the Human Rights Campaign this week, making him the first professional athlete to endorse New York's renewed push to legalize marriage equality this year. He follows the same type of action by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, who recorded a video statement for Equality Maryland earlier this year.