The Predators are "endorsing Mayor David Briley" in Nashville's May 24 special election, which has been "met by some pushback with some saying the city's popular NHL franchise should stick to sports and stay out of politics," according to Joey Garrison of the Nashville TENNESSEAN. Predators President & CEO Sean Henry "made the endorsement in an online video in which he's joined by team mascot Gnash." The video was "tweeted out Wednesday by Briley's campaign." In the video, Henry said, "We're supporting Mayor David Briley, and we hope that you join us for that as well. But regardless of who you vote for, get out and vote. Make your voice heard." Garrison notes the Predators have "never been more popular in Nashville following last year's Stanley Cup Final run." Briley, a progressive politically, is "backed by much of the city's establishment." The endorsement of Briley "comes as the team is in talks with the mayor's office" about a new lease at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators earlier this year "endorsed a controversial referendum proposal" to raise four taxes to pay for a $5.4B transit plan. Henry said that the team has "fielded about two dozen emails about the Briley endorsement, with about half applauding the move and the other half saying, 'Why would you ever do this?'" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 5/18).
