Linus Ullmark #35 of the Ottawa Senators (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The recent drama and rumors that engulfed Ottawa Senators goalie Linus Ullmark after he took a personal leave of absence on Dec. 28 once again shed light on a dark aspect of not just the NHL, but professional sports – and life in the spotlight in general.
In a recent phone interview with RG, NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh lambasted not only those who spread rumors about Ullmark, but also anyone who believes athletes and celebrities are not entitled to privacy regarding mental health and personal matters.
“I think people should recognize that mental health is an issue for a third of the population in the world,” Walsh said.
“I think that, with all due respect, the press and influencers should stay away from it, and they should let – if a player or players or whatever it might be – if a player goes into the (NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance) Program, a player has an issue, a person has an issue. I saw it in politics. I think you need to give it space. I mean, I think if they were going into a similar situation, the last thing they would want to do is read about themselves and their family in the paper, online, or what have you.
“I think that you have to give space here. Linus is a great guy. I got to know him well when he was in Boston. I saw him earlier this year. Wonderful guy, wonderful family. And I think that’s all I’m going to say on that one.”
Within 24 hours of the Senators announcing their top goalie’s personal leave of absence, a vicious rumor began circulating and intensified as the days went on. An X account named “Fred Nolan” claimed Ullmark left the team due to an extramarital affair. The team later released a statement categorically denying the rumor.
Ullmark Breaks His Silence
This past Tuesday, in an emotional and candid interview with Claire Hanna of TSN, Ullmark opened up about his mental health and directly addressed those behind the rumors.
“People wonder why hockey players – professional athletes – are not talking,” Ullmark said.
“Why we’re not showing any sort of emotions. Why mental health in men and women is a stigma. It took them less than 24 hours from my absence of leave to try to find reasons why I’m gone. Saying that I’m a homewrecker, a person that no one likes on the team. And I can’t defend myself. I didn’t know about this until days later. And it sucks, because I have a family. I have a wife. I have kids. They get sent text messages asking, ‘Hey, are you guys good?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, why?’ And then they tell you about it – the rumors – and you’re like, ‘What the f*** is wrong with people?’
“So, of course, we’re not going to say anything. Because people love to just f*** drag you down. They just want to find a reason to bring you down to their level. They don’t care. The general public does not care. I’m not speaking about Sens fans, because they’ve been awesome. But if people really, really want us in sports to be more upfront and honest, yeah – you’ve got to take a hard look at yourself in the mirror. Because this is proof now that I understand why people shut themselves in and tend to do other things than ask for help.”
Walsh Calls for Boundaries
Walsh, who is from Boston and became friends with Ullmark during the goalie’s time with the Bruins, strongly agreed with Ullmark’s assessment.
“I think that I would ask everyone to give players their space when they’re going through anything – personal reasons,” Walsh said. “When people take a leave for personal reasons, they’re personal.
“That means they’re personal. It could be a family issue, it could be the birth of a child, it could be the death of a parent, it could be the death of a sibling, it could be whatever. I think there should be some parameters around how that gets covered. And I’m not just blaming the press – I’m blaming influencers, people online, people invading others’ space. Just take a minute and look in the mirror and realize: if you were going through something, would you want the whole world talking about it?”
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