• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Capitals Draw Criticism for Posting GoFundMe Link for Longtime P.A. Announcer

Fans questioned the team’s decision to share a crowdfunding link for their P.A. announcer of 25 years.

Mar 21, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) and owner Ted Leonsis during a ceremony to honor scoring an NHL second best 802 career goal before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit:
Brad Mills-Imagn Images

After Washington Capitals public address announcer Wes Johnson was hospitalized with a medical emergency, the team shared a crowdfunding page set up by Johnson’s family through its official social media channel. Fans were outraged.

“The Washington Capitals express our heartfelt thoughts and send our best wishes to our beloved public address announcer, Wes Johnson,” the team posted. Please visit the GoFundMe page established by the Johnson family for additional support at http://washca.ps/3PUamRA.” The post was shared with more than 800,000 followers on X/Twitter and has received more than 2,000 likes.

The GoFundMe page asks for donations to help the beloved 25-year Capitals employee’s “family get through this period and cover his medical expenses as well as cover the time he will be unable to work.”

As of Tuesday, the GoFundMe page has raised more than $155,000, far surpassing its $50,000 goal. Ted Leonsis, owner of the Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics as the head of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, gave $25,000 to the fundraiser (half of its goal), the donations log shows.

The Capitals’ social media post has been flooded with responses from fans wishing Johnson well, but many questioned why the Capitals or Leonsis—with a net worth of $3.1 billion, according to Forbes—didn’t cover all of Johnson’s expenses in the first place.

“Team owned by a billionaire, that just gave $35M to a goalie, posts a GoFundMe link for employee,” one writer posted.

“Imagine working 25 years as the voice of the Washington Capitals, you get a medical emergency & your billionaire owner has the social media team put a gofundme link on twitter,” another user said.

“Tweeting this out as a multi-billion dollar organization who just reached an agreement for the city to help pay for renovations to the arena doesn’t sit right with me. This seems like the easiest PR win ever, pay the bill Ted,” said one fan, referencing the new plans for Capital One Arena that will use at least $285 million from Monumental.

A Monumental spokesperson tells Front Office Sports that the family made the GoFundMe page on their own, and highlighted Leonsis’s “significant donation.”

“We have been in contact with the family throughout this process. We shared the post for review and approval, and they appreciated our inclusion of the GoFundMe information that the family set up for further awareness,” the spokesperson says.

Johnson, 62, is known by Capitals fans for his call to “unleash the fury,” and has done voice acting and appearances for a number of shows, video games, and films.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Isaiah Wright, a running back featured on the Netflix series "Last Chance U, is playing football for the Alcoa Alloys, a semipro team with the Interactive American Football League on Saturday, April 6, 2019.

‘Last Chance U’ Participants File $30M Lawsuit Against Netflix, Others

Producers of “Last Chance U” allegedly took “unfair advantage” of players.
Nov 26, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Alex Rodriguez watches as the Minnesota Timberwolves lose to the Houston Rockets in overtime at Target Center.

Glen Taylor Has ‘Limited’ Legal Options to Keep Timberwolves

One litigator says it’s usually “very hard to vacate an arbitration award.”
Mark Williams

Failed Deadline Deal Leaves Hornets, Lakers in Unprecedented Territory

The trade would have sent center Mark Williams to Los Angeles.
Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar’s Attack on Drake Peaks With Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Ever

A record 133.5 million viewers tuned in for Lamar’s performance.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
February 10, 2025

Eagles Laid Super Bowl Blueprint, but the Bill Is Coming Soon

Zack Baun and Josh Sweat will be free agents this offseason.
February 10, 2025

Arbitrators Find for A-Rod, Marc Lore in Timberwolves Ownership Battle

Rodriguez is set to become an NBA owner after a yearslong saga.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
February 10, 2025

Lakers, Luka Dončić Seize Super Bowl Spotlight With Star’s Monday Debut

The Lakers face the Jazz on Monday night.
Doncic protest
February 10, 2025

Mavs Owner Patrick Dumont Defends Luka Trade While Mark Cuban Mocks It

Dumont insisted that his team won’t move to Las Vegas.
February 10, 2025

Eagles Set to Host 2025 NFL Kickoff: Who Will Be Their Opponent?

Speculation begins on Philadelphia’s opponent for the 2025 kickoff game.
February 10, 2025

Chiefs to Make $17M Travis Kelce Decision After Super Bowl Loss

Kelce, 35, is the NFL’s highest-paid tight end.