Team USA has faced criticism for laughing at a joke made by Donald Trump after winning Olympic gold. Now, a reporter is under fire for pressing Brady Tkachuk about the joke.
On Sunday, Team USA captured its first men’s Olympic hockey gold medal in 46 years, fittingly on the anniversary of the Miracle on Ice in 1980. A dramatic overtime winner from Jack Hughes secured the victory over Team Canada.
READ MORE: Ellen Hughes reacts to Team USA’s Donald Trump call
Team USA laughing at Donald Trump joke
During post-game celebrations in the locker room, the team received a phone call from President Trump. During the call, he made a joke:
“I’ve got to tell you, I have to also invite the women’s team as well… or I’d be impeached,” referring to the U.S. women’s team, which had also won gold.
The remark quickly became a topic of debate, and the team faced backlash for laughing at the joke. Some fans argued the players should have stood up for the women’s team instead.
Reporter going after Brady Tkachuk
Earlier this week, the players returned to their respective NHL clubs. Now, a TSN reporter has come under scrutiny for repeatedly asking Brady Tkachuk about Trump’s joke. During a media scrum for the Ottawa Senators, she asked:
”I know you supported the women’s team — I saw you watching their semifinal. Would you understand how they could feel pretty put down by that moment?”
Tkachuk responded:
“Yeah, I get it. I have no other comments than for the things that we control, and that was that we supported them and they supported us. You can’t control what other people say — that’s just life.”
The reporter continued pressing:
“Why would you laugh when they got invited?”
Tkachuk replied:
“I don’t really have an answer. Honestly, it was just a whirlwind moment. You can’t really control what somebody says. I got caught off guard, I guess. But you’re talking to the President ten minutes after you achieved your dream. Just the fact that you’re talking to him — you can’t believe where your life’s at. You just won a gold medal.”
Fans are mocking the reporter
Fans have since mocked the reporter’s line of questioning:
“Breaking news: It is now illegal to have a sense of humor in hockey,” one fan joked.
“I get why he gave that politician’s answer — but he should’ve stood his ground and said something like: ‘It was a joke, it was a good joke. And the women’s team understood he was kidding. They’re meeting with President Trump next week, and I’m sure he’ll give them a hero’s welcome,’” another wrote:
“Everybody knows reporters try to create a story where there isn’t one! Speaking as a Canadian and a hockey player myself, Brady Tkachuk has absolutely nothing to apologize for. The reporter tried to ruin a great moment in Olympic hockey,” a third fan added.
You can watch the interview below.
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