In August, Alex Ovechkin posted a picture on Instagram holding a sign that said "#Save Children From Fascism." He was wearing a "No War" T-shirt.
It was interpreted as support for Ukrainian rebels fighting in Ukraine. On Monday, now back in the United States for the start of NHL training camp, Ovechkin explained the photo.
"I don't try to make a statement," Ovechkin told ESPN.com. "Right now, as a Russian, I have lots of friends from Ukraine. I just don't want a war. Nobody wants a war. Especially when people are so close. It's hard to see especially when you live so close to Ukraine. It's hard and it's dangerous. People die."
Via ESPN.com