The Columbus Blue Jackets community has rallied in support of player Patrik Laine following a podcast's inappropriate comments regarding his mental health leave. The incident, which included an awful comment about suicide, sparked widespread condemnation and led to a positive outpouring of support, including over 200 donations totaling more than $10,000 to Laine's foundation for men's mental health. Additionally, teammate Johnny Gaudreau has committed to donating $1,000 per point he scores for the remainder of the season to further support the cause. The Blue Jackets also hosted their annual CannonBall fundraiser, spotlighting the work of the CBJ Foundation and @BeingAGirlROX. Amidst the controversy, the podcast members issued an apology to Laine for their remarks.
Podcast members apologize to Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine about suicide reference https://t.co/CXSaYNwwkL
Johnny Gaudreau explains why he’s picking up Laine’s commitment to donate $1,000 a point for the rest of the season to promote men’s mental health awareness and support in Columbus. Got the idea over break, not because “an idiot comes out and says some terrible things.” #CBj https://t.co/6aIJFpQP9B
The offshoot of an awful comment has a bright side -> - Fans have rallied w/ 200+ donations worth more than $10K for Laine's mental health charitable effort - Gaudreau to donate $1,000 per point from now to season's end #CBJ https://t.co/2YcveWMgdB via @DispatchAlerts
Nothing but love and support for Patrik Laine. The comments made were abhorrent. I applaud Patrik for standing up for himself and leading the charge when it comes to focusing on his own mental health and wellbeing. https://t.co/W9aqGGyrHw
Statement from the agency that represents Patrik Laine, specifically agent Andrew Scott, regarding the terrible comment used about Laine as a punchline on a recent podcast. #CBJ https://t.co/U6Q86YCHXk
Patrik Laine spoke out when a Columbus Blue Jackets podcast mocked his mental health leave. ⤵️ https://t.co/W6DPh7HGNI
If anything comes from today, it’s that our fanbase can come together for good. Bottom line, mental health matters & we stand w/@PatrikLaine29! We’re joining our friends @CBJectivelyPod, as well as others, & donating to Laine’s foundation in support of men’s mental health. #CBJ…
If anything comes from today, it’s that our fanbase can come together for good. Bottle line, mental health matters & we stand w/@PatrikLaine29! We’re joining our friends @CBJectivelyPod, as well as others, & donating to Laine’s foundation in support of men’s mental health. #CBJ…
Patrik Laine responds to podcast mocking mental health-related absence https://t.co/g9F8JFq23w https://t.co/Z0DobsYDcI
Last week, the Blue Jackets had a good time for a good cause, hosting the annual CannonBall fundraiser for the #CBJ Foundation. Included in the program was a spotlight on the incredible work being done by @BeingAGirlROX https://t.co/IrdPE3VMYX