Former NHL defenseman Ryan Whitney faces backlash for posting AI generated image

 

Not being on the politically correct side of things is nothing new for Ryan Whitney. Spittin' Chiclets, his podcast, taps into the vulgar side of hockey culture, and Whitney might have gone too far with it a few days ago.

 
Whitney posted the following offensive picture, which doesn't need any explanation, after watching the Bruins defeat the Leafs in game 4 to grab a decisive series lead.

Leafs fans I feel for you guys. This ain’t right. pic.twitter.com/1ZlCVMOiFr

— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) April 28, 2024

 Although Whitney clearly intended the AI-generated image to be a crass joke, many of her internet admirers feel that it crosses the line. For making jokes about consent and sexual assault, many fans replied with abject revulsion.

Whitney has not responded to the post or the criticism in any way, and it is unlikely that he will do so in the future. The Spittin' Chickets podcast's host, Barstool Sports, is no stranger to controversy of this kind.

Whitney only played 481 NHL games in his career, spanning four seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, despite being selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the fifth overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft. Whitney continues to be a devoted supporter of the Edmonton Oilers and, since ending his NHL career, has grown to become one of the most well-known and significant characters in hockey thanks to his podcast.