Missing The Point II

For the second time this fall, there's a storm over a story and I'm apparently missing the point.

First it was Bill Belichick and SpyGate. I understood that he was breaking rules; I just also understood that stealing the other guy's signals was what every team was trying to do on a regular basis.

Or why would they need secret signals?

Now everybody's up in arms about Sean Avery after Saturday night's Rangers-Leafs game, and to be sure, this is a juicy story.

But outrage? I don't think so.

Peel away all the rhetoric and here's what you have: two guys pushed and shoved during the pre-game warmup, said nasty things to each other and then fought during the first period.

Big deal.

And don't tell me that Avery may have said something particularly awful. Folks, these players say terrible things to each other every night. To say trashing another player's family is out-of-bounds is laughable - saying ugly things about an opponent's wife or girlfriend is standard NHL fare.

That stuff goes on in baseball, basketball and football as well, and we all remember the World Cup incident that motivated Zidane to go headbutt-crazy against the Italians. But the NHL is the only league that routinely allows all the extracurricular stuff, all the face-washing and wrestling after the whistle and screaming at opponents in the penalty box.

In fact, it tacitly endorses it, and when it explodes into full-blown fights, well, the NHL has made it clear it believes this is good for business.

So re-discovering religion when it comes to Avery's antics just doesn't wash, particularly when it comes from a trash-talker like Darcy Tucker or a paid enforcer like Wade Belak.

I might say this stuff is bush-league and moronic. But there's just nothing out of the ordinary here as far as what the NHL allows and many hockey people celebrate, and to use the pro-fighting argument, I'm sure there were lots of people standing at the ACC on Saturday night during the warmup, hoping for a brawl to erupt. And to the fight people, the fact that people watch is all that matters. Was Don Cherry upset at the pre-game silliness on Saturday? Sure he was. But he cheers for the Leafs and calls Tucker a friend. Whose side do you think he's going to take?

Tom Renney just laughed on Saturday night when told Tucker had called Avery "classless," mostly because he coached Tucker with the Kamloops juniors and won a Memorial Cup with him and could tell all kinds of stories about Tucker and trash-talking and pre-game scuffles.

Sure, Avery's a creep. But there's a long history of those types of irritating players in the NHL going back to the days of Bugsy Watson. And while Belak tried to twist this into an argument about getting rid of the instigator, the fact is that Avery does drop the gloves and fight. A lot. In fact, a lot more than Tucker ever has, even back in his Sideshow Bob days.

Like SpyGate, this is a good story, a juicy one. But meaningful it is not, nor is it one to get all worked up about.

(Ed. note: Based on a few of the comments here, people seem to have already decided that Avery said something about Blake and cancer. Nothing has been proven. Moreover, Tucker was giving as good as he got in the verbal end of things during the pre-game, and it was he who waved his stick in Avery's face. Why is Tucker automatically the innocent here?)

Comments

[Marijan Kalman]

NHL ordered Avery to come for hearing because he has to "explain" himself.He said all the nasty things to Tucker and Blake.So what. They all do it on regular basis!!

But same junk NHL didn't mention or even penalised last night hit on Jovanovski and idiots like Jones are still playing while Bergeron is out of game for who knows how long.

This NHL has to be stoped.All the old farts have to be fired and only people 35 and younger have to take over. This NHL and people in position of power have to be STOPED, FIRED, NOW........

Marijan

[Jon Spratt]

But what if Avery's comment had to do with Blake's cancer treatment? I wouldn't put it past Avery, and certainly that's a whole other line to cross if it happened...

[scott]

I read in one of the New York papers today that Avery is being brought before Campbell because he has been involved in two pre-game incidents in the last week and not specifically about what was said/not said against the Leafs.

[Martin]

Mr. Cox is possibly the only non-homer in the Toronto sports media.

Way to call it like it is (or in this case, isn't).

[Mike]

Agreed 100% Damien,

Though... even if he did say something about Blake's cancer, so what? Blake isn't a sick child in the cancer ward of Sick Kids... he's a grown man who takes a pill to control his cancer... and didn't even miss a game over it. Sure it's serious, and you never wish it on anybody... but I'd never wish McCabe's groin pull on anybody either. Is that off limits too?

[Daniel Longshaw]

Avery has always been a dirty player. . . he brings up personal issues with players on the ice. Like what happened Saturday Rangers vrs Leafs in the practice of all things, he starts right away at Tucker thats just a pathetic thing to do. Avery is a disgrace to the NHL and should change his job to a hired goon.

[Brian Marto]

I agree to a certain point there is always some sort of trash talking but come on about a guy going through cancer that is not right,
Just a question if Mark Messier was still the Captain I wonder what would he say to Avery umm
Trash Talk is fine but no when not to cross the line

[buckster]

A voice of reason in a storm of stupidity eh Cox. If Avery said anything to Blake regarding his serious medical condition than you be ashamed for downplaying it. If he didn't than Sean Avery is and always has been the biggest idiot that every played the game. We need decent players making an impression for upcoming generations, not showboat clowns to make this league better. Call me ignorant of the facts, yet every other player in the league can be guilty of the same thing and your justifying it by means of majority.

[Matt]

Though it does seem a bit blown up by the media, it's pretty despicable that this classless bastard would use someone's cancer as a pregame irritant.
Maybe if someone dear to him was inflicted with this terrible disease, he'd clean up his act a little.

[Paul]

The Leafs need something to talk about in the media. God knows their ability to play good hockey isn't worth much chatter.

[Julianna]

While I can appreciate your viewpoint, I respectfully disagree with your assessment of the situation Mr. Cox. Now, we all know Tucker is not perfect (name me one player who has never said something stupid to another)and heaven knows that Avery is not perfect, but there is a line that should never be crossed. Making (alleged) comments about another player's battle with cancer is something that should not be done. We're not talking about a sore leg or cut on his face, we are talking about something that could potentially end his life. That is not really something to joke about. If Avery's objective was to get in Tucker's face, why did he have to (allegedly) make comments about Blake. I do agree that the media makes more out of the story than is necessary, but this is not something that should be looked over just because "everyone" does it. I guess it is subjective, but I think there has to be a point when a person's (on-ice) behaviour earns him a suspension instead of a stern look from "dad" and a promise to not do it again.

[Jim Boyd]

much to do about nothing,,,just a couple of real idiots doing what they do best.........a couple more shots to Tucker's yap would have been nice though,,,,,,,You morons proclaiming some sort of innocence anywhere involving these two or three clowns is laughable.

[Drew]

You are right on the mark Damian, and like the writer above, you are a voice of reason in a sea of "homers" in Toronto media (which does to a degree explain the thinking of so many Leafs fans unable to form an opinion of their own!!) ... Avery and Tucker are built from the same mould ... the only difference is the "degree" (and side-show Bob may have tamed a little, but he does have history that he cannot distance himself from) and the sweater they wear ... and to have Tucker and Belak comment on class and decorum??? ... sure, and let's get OJ's take on domestic violence!!

[Johnson]

Avery is looking at suing The Fan saying he was libeled by them. His comments are (if proven true) are ignorant but for a present day player to use the word "classless" would leave you to believe the rest of these guys are angels. The days of worshipping a player of any sport are long gone. They are mercenaries in it for the money(for which they cant be faulted, it is a short career)and are not role models in any fashion(except for a few like Mats). Avery is an idiot but he backs up his mouth with his face/fists. To be perfectly honest, when the hell did Gilmour ever back up his mouth/dirty stick that way? Never.
Much like Harper said to the Liberals, you dont want people to find your skeletons, players such as Tucker should look at themselves in the mirror and ask if they are really the type of person to be questionning other peoples morality.

[Coop]

Blake was quoted in the Star today saying he had no idea what Avery said to him. maybe he's downplaying it (true class), or maybe it truly never happened (overblown media). my rule with this sort of thing has always been: let the behaviour or demands of the "victim" set the rules of engagement. if Blake isn't calling for Avery's head, then why is anyone else?

[Tree]

This is the most ridiculous story of the year – and Tucker and Belak should just shut their traps. Blake has said he didn’t hear anything – either showing tremendous class or being honest – and because of that the other 2 should just shut up. Tucker is great at playing the victim and seems to completely ignore all his indiscretions. If he said something about Blake’s cancer, it’s absolutely classless, but it could be worse – he could have blown out Blake’s ACL on a low-blow … And correct me if I’m wrong, but was Belak even on the ice or in the line-up? How has he become the definitive Leaf voice on this? And his comments about Avery being “killed” crossed a line that I hope the NHL takes a look at.

After watching Tucker raise his stick to Avery’s throat and taking a swing, he has earned no sympathy or benefit of the doubt in this corner. And people can hate Avery the person all they want (I sure do), but no one can argue the effectiveness of Avery the player (a goal and an assist in this game proves that). Seems to me that the Leafs have loved playing the victim ever since Quinn was coach … if this is what it takes to motivate themselves or rally around each other, just a good indication of why this team as presently constituted is going nowhere fast.

[chris]

Funny how the idiot faction of Leaf Nation, lead by Donald S. Cherry, is demanding the head of Sean Avery on a spike for what he may or may not have said on Saturday. Yet had John Ferguson Jr succeeded in acquiring him last spring from the LA Kings, Sean Avery would have been the most popular member of the Blue and White for exactly what he did this past weekend in Toronto.

Darcy Tucker and Wade Belak would be telling everyone what a great teammate and a good guy Avery is. And Cherry would be highlighting Avery's antics on a regular basis on Coach's Corner. Avery would easily fill the role left by Tie Domi as the country's most overrated, overhyped loudmouthed athlete.

To be sure, Sean Avery is a giant classless orrifice, except for when he's playing for your team. I imagine Rangers fans are quite happy with his work.

[Michael Nugent]

The hypocrisy in the NHL makes me ill. Really. I think Sean Avery is a dirt bag, but please help me here. Cancer is serious, no one is debating that. But what about Steve Moore? Bertuzzi mames a guy, and the league rallies around him. Gretzky has to...HAS TO...have him on Team Canada.

All these quotes from NHL players about the proverbial " line to cross" is a joke. I can't say something about your sister, but I can get as much slack as I want if I drive your head into the ice. I love the game, but don't idolize the players. Morons.

[Dave Russell]

I don't think this is really about WHAT was said. I think the issue is that Avery has gotten into 2 of these pre game squrmishes in such a short period of time. Without someone to break these up they can escalate pretty quickly. The good thing is most of the time when these things happen there are normally enough level headed players on each team that they settle things back down before it gets anywhere near the level of these last two episodes.

[Steve B]

It's very refreshing to hear your unbiased comments Mr. Cox. Saturday night's pre-game episode was one of many over the years and it surely won't be the last one as long as both teams warm-up at the same time. Avery did his job by getting under Tucker's skin. If Tucker was smart he'd have turned away without rersponse. Avery beat Tucker to the punch on this occasion and the "side show Bob" in Darcy came out again. (as well as his stick in Avery's face) Blake then skated into the fracus to give his two cents worth also. He should let Darcy take care of himself.

[Thomas]

Ummm for the clueless, Tucker raised his stick in Avery's face to mock him not to intimidate.

Avery did it in a pregame warmup earlier that week, raised his stick to another players face in the exact same manner, then decides to lip off during a pregame with the Leafs.

Theres a reason both players received a fine, because they both participated in some pregame antics, but the more telling thing to have happened from that was the Rangers receiveing a 25,000 fine and not the Leafs. Having a douchebag like Avery on your team to stir things up is one thing, but the NHL has obviously sent a message to the Rangers to put a leash on him or else.

Tucker called Avery classless. He didn't say Avery is classless because...(insert whatever reason you all want to assume he said it) Tucker said it because the guy is what he is, without class, lacking in the the class department, however you want to spin it Avery has a proven history, combined with a history of things unable to have been proven (racial slur anyone?), that allows Tucker to have an informed opinion. People, this is the same guy who was the first ever NHL player to be fined for diving, someone please show me a time this guy exhibted some class. He is an embarrassment to the NHL, period.

[Marijan Kalman]

Avery is not embarrassment for NHL!!
NHL IS EMBARRASSMENT for NHL!!
Are you watching hockey in this NHL or you watching only Saturday night STUPIDITY.
Referees are terrible,every night you have 50 hookings that they don't call , 50 interferences that are not called and at least 5-10hits from behind that are not penalized.
I am at the moment watching Edmonton-Vancouver game.Level of hockey is worse than New Jersey ever played, it is TRAP, HOOK,INTERFERENCE, TRAP, HOOK, TRAP,HOOK, AND HOPE YOUR GOALIE IS GOING TO STOP FEW SHOT.

AND JUST THIS SECOND THEY SAID ON TV THAT THIS IS GREAT GAME, THAT IS EMBARRASSING NOT AVERY.
WHAT A S**T OF HOCKEY. Only time when game was O.K., first three months after strike.

Third period 0-0 and all of you talking about Avery.....

[D. R. Huntington]

ABSOLUTELY A GREAT PIECE OF WRITING. BUT, WHAT ELSE WOULD ONE EXPECT FROM DAMIEN?

[Steve Barnett]

Another example of Toronto media hype again..and if Blake is not calling for Avery's head than why the fuss?..And for Sideshow Bob to even comment on Avery is a bit rich. I mean honestly folks, who would you take on your team today if you had to choose? Bob or the Pickering prick? Much as I hate the guys guts I would take the prick. Avery's schtick is what got him in the league and will keep him in the league. Every couple of years the teams get sick of it and move him on. And it was the media hype that resulted in Avery being summoned to Toronto no less, for a hearing. If the league office was in New York I think you get a different outcome.Truth be told, both are marginal players on thier teams and for Tucker to all of a sudden become a spokesman for morality is a joke. We should of moved him when we had the chance but again the media turned him into Bobby Orr and JFJ took the bait. A lot of time spent on 2 guys who dont deserver it.

[kenny d]

Let there be venting. Ok. I'll start. Being a Toronto boy and a Leaf fan living in the USA, digital cable allows me to purchase NHL Center ice which is a pay for view package that let's me watch leaf games. Well some leaf games. Bettman in his wisdom as we know did a disservice to the NHL by going with VERSUS instead of ESPN as the provider of hockey games on tv in the USA. And as a result we have a situation where instead of a million watching on ESPN we have a hundred watching on VERUS which is too bad becasue Versus actually does a great job doing the games. A great job! So last week I am looking forward as everyone was to watch the Leaf Sabres game and I can't get the game. Why? Because Bettman decided to put the game on the NHL network which means NHL CENTER ICE or VERSUS can not show the game. Well I can't get the NHL network so Bettman again has not only decided the NHL will be available to the smallest number of people by going to Versus but also denying the pay for view customers the oportunity of watching the games. Pretty soon Bettman will probably negotiate a package where no one in the USA can watch a hockey game. Needless to say frustration is growing when you want to watch a game and The commissioner of the NHL creates a situation where you can't. Keep up the good work Bettman. Your continuing efforts to ruin the NHL is moving along well. Soon no one in the USA will care about the NHL and those who do will stop caring.
And then there is McCabe. I said in an earlier statement for every game McCabe wins he will lose two or three or four. Seems like nothing's changed on that front.
But hey. The Leaf suites are making a huge profit and after all that's the bottom line. Right?