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Time of India
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
From Canada's hero to Donald Trump's ally? Wayne Gretzky's silence still feels like a betrayal to his home country
Wayne Gretzky faced criticism for his silence during a period of political tension between the U.S. and Canada (Getty Images) I n Canadian sports history, few names carry the weight and reverence of Wayne Gretzky. For decades, he wasn't just the Great One on the ice—he was a living symbol of national pride. But during a politically turbulent time in the mid-2020s, Gretzky's silence became louder than words—and for many Canadians, it hurt more than expected. The man who once roared for Canada fell silent when it mattered most In 2002, during the Salt Lake City Olympics, Gretzky passionately defended Team Canada from what he described as 'American propaganda,' rallying the nation behind its hockey heroes. 'It almost sickens my stomach to turn the TV on because I'm such a proud Canadian,' he said at the time. — IrishStarUS (@IrishStarUS) Fast forward to the Trump era, and that fire seemed to fade. While U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly jabbed at Canada—proposing to make it the 51st state and imposing damaging tariffs—Gretzky, now a naturalized American citizen living in the U.S., offered no public support to his home country. His absence from the debate didn't go unnoticed. A petition to rename Gretzky Drive in Edmonton gathered over 12,000 signatures, reflecting a sense of betrayal from fans who once saw him as the embodiment of Canadian spirit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Retirement Village Coming To Judsonia - Take A Look At The Prices QuestionHero Learn More Undo When national pride meets uncomfortable truths Gretzky's defenders, including hockey legend Bobby Orr, called the backlash 'fickle' and unfair. Orr insisted that Gretzky remained 'one of the greatest Canadians ever,' urging the public to respect his personal beliefs. Gretzky's wife, Janet, also responded on Instagram: 'He would do anything to make Canadians proud.' But what stung wasn't just Gretzky's political leanings or where he lives—it was the silence during a moment when many felt their identity and national dignity were under attack. Gretzky's image as a unifying figure was always a projection. Raised in Brantford, Ontario, and celebrated as Canada's hockey son, he built his life and family in the U.S. The illusion that he would always speak for Canada shattered during those politically charged years. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky creates controversy, blames Oilers' Stanley Cup collapse on unforgivable goalie decision This throwback isn't about vilifying a legend. It's a reflection on how deeply national identity and sports heroes are intertwined—and how silence, in the wrong moment, can echo louder than any goal ever scored. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Irish Daily Star
13-05-2025
- Irish Daily Star
Cassie Ventura allegedly 'choked' as she claims P Diddy peed on her in 'disgusting' freak off
Cassie Ventura took the stand to tell the jurors her allegations against Sean "P. Diddy" Combs in his sex trafficking trial. According to her testimony, Cassie claimed a male escort peed in her mouth and she felt like she was "choking" on urine. At times, she alleged, Diddy would also urinate on her. 'It was disgusting. It was too much. It was overwhelming,' she said. Cassie emphasized that she didn't want anyone to pee on her, adding that she felt "humiliated." Diddy is facing five charges across three federal indictments, including sex trafficking, conspiracy racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Diddy pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. Additionally, he vehemently denies all allegations of wrongdoing against him, including those alleged in civil lawsuits. We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE . Get email updates on the day's biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters . Get all the big headlines, pictures, analyses, opinions and videos on the stories that matter to you by following the Irish Star every time you see our name. You can sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news and all of our content @IrishStarUS , or on Facebook here for all the latest updates. Stay tuned as we continue to provide up-to-the-minute coverage of this breaking news story. For inquiries or if you have any information on this story, contact news@ or usnewsirishstar@ .
Irish Daily Star
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Star
Conclave leads to no new pope as black smoke erupts from Sistine Chapel
Black smoke billowed out of the chimney at the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening, indicating that a new pope had not yet been elected. The smoke was seen flying over Vatican City at approximately 9 p.m. — a literal smoke signal to indicate the status of the conclave of cardinals convened to elect a new pope, which convened earlier that afternoon. The exact results of the first vote weren't known but were recorded internally and stored in the papal archives before the ballots were burned in a special ceremony, with chemicals added to the blaze to turn the smoke black. Read More Related Articles Trump's bumbling response to simple question sparks worries of cognitive decline Read More Related Articles Melania Trump savors sweet revenge after digging up historic White House garden The smoke signal had been highly anticipated after droves of devout Catholics — many of whom had made the pilgrimage to the Vatican from countries around the world — waited outside the iconic, historic chapel for over four hours while 133 cardinals deliberated behind closed doors in the facility. Cellphone jammers were in place, too, and all the cardinals' phones were confiscated before the proceedings. They were all required to swear oaths of secrecy before formally opening the centuries-old ritual of electing a pope to succeed Francis and lead the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church. Nobody was seemingly able to secure the 89-ballot, two-thirds majority required for a new pope to be elected, and the cardinals were expected to retire for the night to their Vatican residences, where they will be sequestered as well. The cardinals are slated to return to the Sistine Chapel early Thursday morning to resume deliberations. Four votes will be held on Thursday, and it remains unclear whether any of those will lead to the selection of a new pope. We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE . Get email updates on the day's biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters . Get all the big headlines, pictures, analyses, opinions and videos on the stories that matter to you by following the Irish Star every time you see our name. You can sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news and all of our content @IrishStarUS , or on Facebook here for all the latest updates. Stay tuned as we continue to provide up-to-the-minute coverage of this breaking news story. For inquiries or if you have any information on this story, contact news@ or usnewsirishstar@ .
Irish Daily Star
06-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Star
BREAKING: Donald Trump promises 'biggest announcement in years' tomorrow
President Donald Trump teased he has a "very big announcement' coming ahead of his trip to the Middle East. "Like as big as it gets, and I won't tell you why. And it's very positive," he told reporters from the Oval Office on Tuesday, adding, "It is really, really, positive. That announcement will be made either Thursday, or Friday, or the Monday before we leave." We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE . Get email updates on the day's biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters . Get all the big headlines, pictures, analyses, opinions and videos on the stories that matter to you by following the Irish Star every time you see our name. You can sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news and all of our content @IrishStarUS , or on Facebook here for all the latest updates. Stay tuned as we continue to provide up-to-the-minute coverage of this breaking news story. For inquiries or if you have any information on this story, contact news@ or usnewsirishstar@ .
Irish Daily Star
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Star
Trump shares bizarre AI photo of himself as Pope just weeks after Francis' death
On his official Instagram account President Donald Trump on Friday night shared an AI image of himself portrayed as the Pope less than a week after Pope Francis was laid to rest. It comes after Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the sad news the Pope passed away last week. The 88-year-old has suffered health issues for several months after being admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome for treatment for bronchitis on February 14 which developed into double pneumonia . As a result of his 38-day hospitalisation, the pontiff's events were subsequently cancelled. Since then the Vatican has released regular updates on his health and today's announcement came hours after the Pope blessed Easter crowds on Sunday from the Popemobile. Instagram We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE . Get email updates on the day's biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters . Get all the big headlines, pictures, analyses, opinions and videos on the stories that matter to you by following the Irish Star every time you see our name. You can sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news and all of our content @IrishStarUS , or on Facebook here for all the latest updates. Stay tuned as we continue to provide up-to-the-minute coverage of this breaking news story. For inquiries or if you have any information on this story, contact news@ or usnewsirishstar@ .
