Winnipeg Jets' Kane addresses racism claims

Winnipeg Jets forward Evander Kane spoke to the media Thursday about his recent claims that he faces criticism from the public because he is black.

Kane's feelings about how he is treated on social mediaare included in a leaked story that will be in the next edition of The Hockey News (THN).

The Hockey News reporter Ken Campbell, whospoke to CBC News on Thursday, said heasked Kane about all the criticism.

"Do you think that this would happen if you were white? And he replied by saying that, 'No, I think a good portion of it is because I'm black and I'm not afraid to say that.'"

On Thursday, Kane spoke to the media and clarified his comments. Hesaid he was referring specifically to criticism on social media sites like Twitter.

"Nobody has ever and I dont think anybody ever will come up directly to my face and say something negative," said Kane.

Kane said he's more than willing to accept criticism about his on-ice play.

"In terms of hockey criticism, thats part of the job description. That comes with the territory," said Kane.

But he said he is subject to criticism about his off-ice behavior that is unwarranted. He added, "You kind of get sick and tired of it." The 21-year-old from Vancouverhas faced criticism for posting photos to social media that showedhimposing with stacks of money on a Las Vegas balcony.The photoscame out whileNHL players were in a lockout with the league, andmoney was one of the main issues of the impasse.

"Clearly NHLers aren't making enough money judging by the Evander Kane picture!" tweeted one person.

Another person thanked him for "reminding us what spoiled, entitled and unaccomplished athletes look like."

Kane was alsochided on Twitter last month forhis haircut, which included shaved letters YMCMB, orYoung Money Cash Money Billionaires, a reference to Lil Wayne's record label.

Campbell said Kane is a brash young man who lived in Atlanta before the Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg and became the Jetswhere there isa substantial hip hop culture.

Itis also a place where Kane had a much smallerpublic spotlight before coming to hockey-mad Winnipeg, he added.

"It's a complete, sort of, 180-degree turn for him so, you know, I don't think it speaks to Winnipeg specifically. I just think it speaks to an adjustment that this young man has had to make," Kane said in the piece.

Campbell said social media can make it so easy to promote racismbecause people can hide anonymously behind their keyboards.

Kane said Thursday his primary concern is the game and despite heavy criticism, he loves his job.

"My concern is playing hockey, and I dont go out and try to hurt other people in terms of my personal life. I think Im a pretty good guy, and I do what I can to help other people out," explained Kane.

He added, "I wouldnt trade playing in the NHL for anything in the world."