Former Vancouver Canucks winger Evander Kane has taken a public swipe at Dr. Anthony Fauci, using a congressional contempt ruling against the longtime federal health official as the latest backdrop for his anti-science rant on social media.
Kane, who was suspended by the NHL for 21 games in 2021 for breaking COVID-19 protocol, reacted after Fauci was held in contempt of Congress on Thursday by a Republican-led Senate committee. The move followed Fauci invoking the Fifth Amendment on multiple occasions, on the advice of his counsel.
On social media, Kane went after Fauci and the broader public health messaging around vaccination.
“Imagine believing that someone else’s injection was supposed to protect someone who didn’t get one… and then calling other people the idiots,” Kane said. “And acting like that was obvious science.”
He also directed his criticism at the media.
“And the media didn’t just repeat it, they amplified it, enforced it, and treated anyone who questioned it like they were dangerous.”
Kane’s post echoed the same message, saying the media “amplified it, enforced it, and treated anyone…” before the message trailed off in the shared post.
The former Canucks winger has already been tangled up in vaccine-related controversy. Kane’s contract was terminated by the San Jose Sharks after he allegedly submitted vaccination card before the 2021-22 season. That led to an NHL investigation and later an NHLPA grievance.
Kane is currently an unrestricted free agent and does not have a team. His future in the game is uncertain after what the source describes as a lacklustre 2025-26 season with the Canucks. If the 35-year-old does not secure a contract in the next six weeks, he may need to prove himself on a pro tryout contract or retire.
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