“Support Our Troops” slogan falls foul of Olympic rules

Rules are rules, but that doesn’t mean we have to be happy about it, and in the case of the American Olympian’s custom Goalie mask, which I wrote about here, right after he had it custom painted as is the custom in the NHL and other levels of hockey, except of course through the IOC apparently.

The only portion they seem to have a problem with is the salute to the troops, and being that this is a peaceful gathering of nations, I can understand to an extent what the problem is.

But….. as I said in the opening line, “that doesn’t mean we have to be happy about it”.

Reuters: “Trouble is brewing over United States ice hockey goalie Jonathan Quick and the “Support Our Troops” slogan on his helmet. Slogans of this sort are banned under Olympic rules and Quick will be told to remove it, the International Ice Hockey Federation has told Reuters.

Ryan Miller has also been told to remove the slogan “Miller Time” from his helmet while the third American netminder Tim Thomas had already placed a sticker over a slogan on his mask for the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

IOC rules forbid political propoganda or advertisements being placed on equipment. “If the players don’t agree with the interpretation they can ask the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) to petition the IOC.”

Miller said he had agreed to remove “Miller Time”, which is also a popular beer company slogan, but might fight to keep “Matt Man”, a tribute to a dead friend from being taken off his helmet.

What do you think? Should athletes be allowed to carry personal or political messages on their clothing or equipment at the Olympic Games? Or is the IOC right to keep such messages out of the Games?

Comments welcome…”