Blackhawks player Keith says no sexism intended in sharp comments to reporter

EDMONTON – Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Duncan Keith says he meant no disrespect to women in his heated argument with a Vancouver radio reporter.

Keith, preparing for a game in Edmonton against the Oilers, says he was, in his words, “fired up” after dropping a 3-1 decision to the Vancouver Canucks.

Keith says he doesn’t like losing and adds he doesn’t differentiate between male and female reporters.

Bloggers and others on social media lashed out at Keith after he argued with Vancouver radio reporter Karen Thomson over a two-handed swipe he took at Canucks forward Daniel Sedin.

When Thomson suggested it might have been worth a penalty, Keith questioned her hockey knowledge and mocked her as a candidate to become the NHL’s first female referee.

Thomson said on Twitter that she, too, felt the comments were made in the heat of moment and said she has moved on.