In a shocking turn of events, Dallas Stars’ star forward Jason Robertson has ignited a firestorm of controversy after making thoughtless remarks about the recent passing of Pope Francis, leaving fans and the hockey community in an uproar. The 25-year-old, known for his scoring prowess and leadership on the ice, now faces intense scrutiny for comments deemed disrespectful and insensitive.
During a post-game press conference following the Stars’ 4-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on April 20, 2025, Robertson was asked about the global mourning of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier that week at the age of 88. In a moment that stunned reporters, Robertson responded flippantly, saying, “I mean, it’s sad, sure, but people die every day, right? I’m just here to play hockey.” The remark, delivered with a casual shrug, was immediately met with gasps from the media and has since gone viral, drawing widespread condemnation.
Fans took to social media platforms like X to express their outrage. One user posted, “Jason Robertson needs to apologize ASAP. Disrespecting the Pope like that? Unacceptable.” Another wrote, “As a Stars fan, I’m embarrassed. He’s our star player, but this was heartless.” The backlash has been particularly strong among Dallas’ large Catholic community, with local parishes and fan groups calling for accountability.
The Dallas Stars organization quickly issued a statement distancing themselves from Robertson’s comments. “The views expressed by Jason do not reflect the values of the Dallas Stars or the NHL,” the statement read. “We are addressing this matter internally and are committed to supporting our community during this time of mourning.” Sources within the team suggest Robertson may face disciplinary action, potentially including a fine or suspension, though no official decision has been announced.
Robertson, who has been a cornerstone of the Stars’ lineup since his breakout 2020-21 season, has remained silent since the incident. His agent released a brief statement claiming the player’s words were “taken out of context” and that Robertson “deeply regrets any offense caused.” However, the apology has done little to quell the anger, with many demanding a personal apology directly from the player.
The controversy has also raised questions about Robertson’s leadership role. As one of the team’s alternate captains, his actions are under greater scrutiny. “He’s supposed to be a role model,” said lifelong Stars fan Maria Gonzalez. “This isn’t just about hockey—it’s about respect for millions of people’s faith.” Some fans have even called for Robertson to be stripped of his captaincy, though such a move seems unlikely given his on-ice contributions.
The incident has cast a shadow over what has been a strong season for the Stars, who currently sit second in the Central Division with a 42-18-7 record. Robertson, with 35 goals and 78 points in 67 games, remains a key driver of the team’s success. However, his off-ice misstep threatens to derail the team’s focus as they approach the playoffs.
As the backlash continues, all eyes are on Robertson and the Stars to see how they will navigate this public relations crisis. For now, the hockey world waits to see if the young star can redeem himself or if this moment will define his legacy in Dallas.
