Flyers

The Flyers Officially Cut Ties With Kate Smith

By Russ Joy

Published: Apr 19th, 2019 · 10:07 AM EDT

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Yesterday, the New York Daily News reported that the Yankees were replacing a 1939 recording of “God Bless America” by Kate Smith. I outlined the overtly racist lyrics and pointed out the issues they presented to the Flyers’ long-standing affiliation with Smith. Despite not having heard a single rendition of “God Bless America” at any Flyers game this season, I wondered aloud what might come of the statue found outside of Xfinity Live! and whether or not the Flyers would address the scandal.

Today they did just that:

Flyers have cut ties with Kate Smith & have covered up the statue at the complex. pic.twitter.com/pPcgAXtFHB

— Dan Gelston (@APgelston) April 19, 2019

Statement:

“We have recently become aware that several songs performed by Kate Smith contain offensive lyrics that do not reflect our values as an organization. As we continue to look into this serious matter, we are removing Kate Smith’s recording of ‘God Bless America’ from our library and covering up the statue that stands outside of our arena.” – The Philadelphia Flyers

And the statue?

The Kate Smith statue near the Wells Fargo Center is covered, amid reports the @NHLFlyers have cut ties with Smith over racist song lyrics. pic.twitter.com/I6eCsT5oRl

— Mike DeNardo (@_MikeDeNardo) April 19, 2019

No word on if/when the statue will be removed, but you have to think the Flyers – having only hours earlier presented new head coach Alain Vigneault to the media – were not expecting to have to handle this kind of PR nightmare.