Republican congressman presses NHL over Alex Ovechkin’s appearance in Putin party campaign ad

Rep.

Joe Wilson, R-S.C., has a problem with Alex Ovechkin appearing in a campaign advertisement for the Vladimir Putin-backed United Russia party, and he wants NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to address it.

Wilson sent Bettman a letter Tuesday calling the Washington Capitals captain’s participation "shameful" and asking the league to review the matter.

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis was copied on the letter.

Ovechkin does not speak in the ad.

He stands behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a United Russia campaign video ahead of Russia’s Sept.

18-20 parliamentary elections.

Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the Russian state-controlled network RT, also appears in the ad.

"While Mr.

Ovechkin has every right to hold personal political views, actively participating in campaign material for Putin’s oppressive party while serving as the captain of an NHL franchise in our nation’s capital raises serious questions about the standards expected of players who represent the League and their communities," Wilson wrote.

STEPHEN A SMITH WARNS POLITICS IS CAUSING 'DIVISION' WITHIN AMERICA'S LAST UNIFYING PASTIME The letter does not ask Bettman to suspend or fine Ovechkin.

Wilson wants the NHL to explain whether it has any policies governing active players who appear in political advertisements for foreign parties or regimes.

He also wants the league and Capitals to make clear that Ovechkin’s participation does not represent either organization’s position.

Wilson was more direct on social media.