If you were among the millions who enjoyed last Saturday’s 4 Nations Face-Off clash between the U.S. and Canada in Montreal, you likely noted the three fights in the opening moments as evidence of the intense competitive spirit. However, Molly Qerim perceives the situation differently. During a monologue by Chris Russo on Wednesday’s episode of First Take, Qerim highlighted the double standard regarding fighting in hockey compared to other sports.
Molly Qerim on the fights in the USA vs. Canada 4 Nations Face-Off matchup: “It’s just interesting to me that certain sports, you’re allowed to fight. And other sports, it could never happen. Optics!” pic.twitter.com/JILF6IscpG
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 19, 2025
It’s important to clarify that NHL players do face penalties for fighting on the ice. Additional rules regarding instigation, safety, and participant counts create structured brawls within NHL games. Although NHL players can receive 5-minute major penalties for fighting, they are, unlike in other sports, rarely ejected or suspended.
When Qerim spoke of “optics” and suggested a level of “hypocrisy,” she likely referred to other sports where fighting is strictly regulated. Examples from recent history include the Malice at the Palace, the incident between Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan, and the drama involving Caitlin Clark and DiJonai Carrington during last year’s WNBA postseason. A notable pattern among these instances is their prevalence in predominantly Black sports, while hockey remains a largely white sport. Qerim didn’t explicitly mention race, but her choice of the term “optics” suggests that she was considering these appearances.
In contrast, baseball also recognizes fighting as somewhat customary, with traditions like storming the mound and clearing the benches being part of the culture. This is a sport that is mainly rooted in White American culture. The nuances surrounding violence in sports—and who is allowed to engage in it—are complex issues. Had Molly Qerim explored this topic more deeply, it could have sparked a fascinating conversation. For now, this disparity remains an intriguing topic as we prepare for the 4 Nations Face-Off final on Thursday night.
