Reaction to Sean Avery video in support of marriage equality

As we noted a few days ago, NHL player Sean Avery produced a video in support of HRC's New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign.

A major agency representing NHL players (Andrew Brunette, Cody McCormick, Chris Neil, Mike Fisher and Carlo Colaiacovo, according to Towleroad) has tweeted in opposition to this action on the part of Avery.

Outsports notes that "Uptown Sports is a Canada-based sports management company representing various professional hockey players. Their motto is: 'Commitment. Dedication. Integrity. The Way We do Business'.”

According to Towleroad, the tweets (including "Very sad to read Sean Avery's misguided support of same-gender 'marriage'. Legal or not, it will always be wrong.") are presumed to be from Todd Reynolds, the firm's Vice President and son of the owner, who is in charge of the agency's Twitter feed.

In a comment on the Outsports post, Geoff A notes: "The biggest NHL’er on twitter, Paul Bissonette, tweeted the following to over 80,000 followers: 'I agree with Sean Avery and his comments on the same sex marriage issue @NortonSports. If 2 people are happy together let them be happy'.”

In its follow-up coverage, Outsports notes the support for Avery from several other agents:

Hockey professionals are speaking out quickly and clearly against anti-gay comments made by Uptown Sports management. Agent Scott Norton, who helped bring the Stanley Cup to last year’s gay pride in Chicago, told Outsports:

I think they are very small minded comments. The world has changed, and people need to change also. Everyone in the world has rights, and one of the main rights is to have the ability to love and care for whomever you want, no matter race, religion or sexual orientation.

Agent Andrew Warren told Outsports he is a big supporter and a good friend of Patrick Burke:

I absolutely would support any client, friend, or family member who came out. I believe that public support of gay rights in sports will make it easier for those in the world of sports that may want to come out able to do so without apprehension or fear. As a friend of Patrick’s, I supported and respected his brother Brendan for leaving an important mark on this issue and I hope more of us in this field continue to develop an environment that is welcoming to everyone.

NHL agent Alec Schall said on Twitter he would welcome a gay client.