Reporters flocked to Igor Shesterkin during Tuesday’s New York Rangers’ end-of-season media session, and the Russian goaltender eloquently handled the questions in English.
Except for one question. A reporter asked Shesterkin, who can become a free agent after next season, about the possibility of signing a long-term extension with the team.
“I’m sorry, I don’t speak English,” Shesterkin deadpanned, drawing huge laughs from the gathered reporters.
Nicely done by Shesterkin. It was a fair question, but to expect him to give more than a clichéd “I’m considering all my options” answer in that setting would be expecting too much.
That said, language barriers can create some fundamental issues in pro sports. New York Mets pitcher Jorge López created an uproar recently when he seemingly told reporters he played “on the worst team in the whole f****** MLB.” That obviously made headlines, but López later claimed that statement got lost in translation and that he meant to say that he was “the worst teammate in the whole f****** MLB.”
Fans seemed split on Shesterkin’s response. Some found it hilarious, while others wondered if he meant to send a message to the Rangers.
[SNY Rangers; Photo Credit: SNY Rangers]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.