Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has come under fire for his anti-Muslim rhetoric, calling for a “total and complete shutdown” of Muslims entering the United States.
Trump’s racist and incendiary campaign has drawn a wealth of criticism from political opponents, celebrities, famous athletes, and now a Toronto Maple Leafs player.
Nazem Kadri, who is a Muslim, responded to questions about Trump’s remarks Wednesday.
Via Sean Fitz-Gerald at the Toronto Star
“I think he’s hurting his own campaign, to be honest,” said Kadri. “I mean, I think he’s pretty delusional. But his opinion’s his opinion.”
Trump’s proposed ban could potentially limit practicing Muslim athletes from traveling to the United States if he were to be elected. The billionaire business magnate continues to lead Republican primary polls.
“It’s unfortunate that this is what it’s come to,” Kadri said. “But I mean, that being said, I’m lucky to live in a country like Canada, where people of political stature don’t say those kinds of things to make people feel out of place.”
The Maple Leafs selected Kadri seventh overall in the 2009 NHL Draft. The 25-year-old has five goals and 11 points in 28 games this season.
