The family of Joey Moss has shared their side of the story which contradicts a report out of the Alberta capital that he was banned from the Edmonton Football Team locker room.
Respected veteran media man Robin Brownlee reported Elks general manager Brock Sunderland had banned Moss from being around the team. Postmedia reporter Terry Jones obtained a statement from Adam Walker, Moss’s nephew, who has become the spokesperson for the family since Joey’s passing.
“I can assure you the Edmonton Elks always included Joey within the organization until the time he was no longer able to work. The Elks continue to support Joey and his legacy 50-50 in 2020 raised nearly half a million dollars for the Joey Moss Memorial Fund. The Elks have also hired two individuals from the Winnifred Stewart Employment Program. They have been an outstanding organization and have always treated Joey with the highest respect.”
“Let me be more clear. Joey was never banned from the dressing room, Terry. Joey had dementia. Over the last couple of years, it became harder for Joey to go to work. But I really don’t think his health is anyone’s business. Joey was welcomed everywhere. The Moss family has nothing but respect for the Elks and they were nothing but class to Joey.”
Moss became a household name with the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Football Team working as a locker room attendant for both organizations starting in the 1980s. Players and fans alike looked up to Moss for his passion, positive attitude and incredible work ethic. He taught many people about acceptance and inclusivity through his work and community involvement with both organizations.
Born with down syndrome, Moss was an incredible role model to all Edmontonians.
He helped start the Winnifred Stewart Association’s Empties to Winn fundraiser, which
supports programs and initiatives for people with disabilities in the Edmonton region.
Funds from his Home Trust, which started in 1988 with support from Edmontonians
and local organizations, were used to help open Joey’s Home in 2007, an assisted living
residence for people with developmental disabilities.
In 2018, with support from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, the Edmonton
Down Syndrome Society opened the Joey Moss Literary Centre for Excellence. The centre
offers workshops, an on-site library and literacy resources, reading coaches and a speech
literacy consultant.
Moss’ rise to fame expanded beyond Edmonton as he became well-known on the North
American sports scene. People fondly remember seeing Moss on their TV with his hand over
his heart, singing the Canadian national anthem proudly at the top of his lungs before each
home game.
At age 57, Moss passed away in October 2020.