Jalen Smereck (Image: Instagram)
Jalen Smereck is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the Ukrainian Hockey League (UHL) after being the target of a racist gesture during a stoppage in play.
The 24-year-old Detroit native is a defenseman for HC Donbass, based in Druzhkivka, Ukraine. In the second period, he was taunted by Andrey Deniskin of HC Kremenchuk, who mimicked peeling a banana and eating it.
On his IG account, Smereck called for the UHL to remove Deniskin from the league
“Therefore I have been putting a lot of thought into what comes next for me in my career but as of right now I have decided that I will be taking a personal leave of absence from HC Donbass and I will not play another game in the (UHL) until Andrey Deniskin is suspended and removed from the league.”
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell has signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens. The…
Former Colorado safety Shilo Sanders made a sexist comment towards Cleveland Browns reporter Mary Kay…
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been battered with injuries, losing star Anthony Edwards and key role…
An underwhelming 2025 campaign loomed over the Twin Cities as the Minnesota Twins finished 72-90.…
The New York Knicks are moving on to the second round of the NBA playoffs…
Another losing season was put in the books after the Pittsburgh Pirates concluded 2025 with…