NHL and Nashville release statements following Luke Prokop's decision to come out

It's a big day for the hockey world. Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop announced via his social media accounts that he is gay, becoming the first player under contract in NHL history to come out.

National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman and the Nashville Predators have both released statements in support of Prokop's decision.

"On behalf of the National Hockey League, we are proud of Luke Prokop for today's announcement and I would like to thank him for sharing his truth and being so brave," Bettman said.

He went on to add: "We pledge to do everything possible to ensure that Luke's experience is a welcoming and affirmative one and continue to work to ensure that any current player or future NHL player contemplating following in his trailblazing footsteps knows our league is ready to provide full support."

Statement from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Luke Prokop's (@lukeprokop_6) decision to publicly come out as gay: pic.twitter.com/4S7rWI872W— NHL (@NHL) July 19, 2021

"The Nashville Predators is proud of Luke for the courage he is displaying in coming out today and we will support him unequivocally in the days, weeks, and years to come as he continues to develop as a prospect. A long-stated goal in our organization is equality for all, including the LGBTQ community, and it is important that Luke feels comfortable and part of an inclusive environment as he moves forward in his career," Predators president and CEO Sean Henry said.

"Luke is a valued prospect of the Nashville Predators and we think he has a bright future. We want Luke to become a successful hockey player, and we understand his ability to be out comfortably will help him achieve his goals on and off the ice. We are committed to ensuring nothing stands in his way of his ability. His courage is an inspiration to us, and to the LGBTQ community in Nashville," GM David Poile added.

"We're obviously very proud of him for taking that step," Preds captain Roman Josi said. "Our message as a team [is that] we're obviously very supportive of him. We just reached out and told him [we'll help with] whatever he needs and that we're proud of him. It's a big step for him and we fully support him."

All of SMASHVILLE is behind you, Luke.

President/CEO Sean Henry and President of Hockey Operations/GM David Poile's statements ⤵️

>> https://t.co/CWSxaNoDz5 pic.twitter.com/1IJBv6enSe— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) July 19, 2021

Source: NHL

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