Salute To The Toronto Media

Many will tell you that the New York media is the worst. But as bad as it can be (and I read the NY dailies every day), the Toronto media covering the Maple Leafs is the worst. The contrived controversy over the Leafs not saluting the fans after their 5-2 win over Tampa Bay is the biggest joke in the sports world and is a disgrace to Canada's largest city. As a long time Leafs fan, I could careless whether they go to center ice and raise their sticks or not.

The media can say that they didn't create this story but they poured gasoline on it. In my mind, those in the media who have their shorts in a knot over this, are masking their disgust for certain players on this team. The classic example is Jeff O'Neill. He has been slamming Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf since he's been on the radio. Well, yesterday his venom spewed dramatically as he proclaimed that he's talked to people in the NHL who have said that no team can be successful if Kessel and Phaneuf are your leaders. As a former player he should be ashamed of himself. He criticized Phaneuf because he should have been truthful and said that they were pissed about the jersey throwing and the booing. Jeff, why don't you be truthful. Why don't you say that you are jealous you didn't make the money that these players are making. Why don't you be truthful O'Neill and tell us who these people in the NHL are who have told you that Phaneuf and Kessel are losers. Oh, that's right you are a big time journalist so you won't divulge your sources. You are a joke, O'Neill. 

His partner, Brian Hayes, also got in on the act. I was shocked that he decided to make this such a big deal when it was total nonsense. Maybe the ratings on his show are slipping. But he sounded like a complete moron. I have listened to Leafs Lunch for a long time. I am done until Bitter Beer-Face O'Neill is removed. 

The print media also has it share of muckrakers. Top on the list are Steve Simmons and DaveFeschuk. Simmons whines that these players don't understand the market. What do you mean Steve? The Toronto market is so fragile that the fan base needs to be cajoled and patronized? C'mon Steve. All I want are wins, a playoff berth and some success in the playoffs. I could give a damn about the salute. The problem with Simmons and Feschuk is that they dislike the fact that Kessel doesn't like dealing with the media and Phaneuf is filled with cliche's. 

The other problem that these 2 so-called sports journalists have is that they can't stand Brian Burke. Burkie brought both Phaneuf and Kessel to Toronto so they are considered "Burke's Guys". Yesterday Burkie was on TSN's Drive Time with Dave Naylor. Simmons was Naylor's co-host but during the Burke interview Simmons was no where to be found. He re-appeared when Brendan Shanahan appeared on the next segment. During Naylor's interview, Burke said that he wouldn't expect members of the media to be cheerleaders for the team. But, he did say that in every market their are some media members whose sole mission is to cause controversy. That's where Feschuk and Simmons fit in. 

I saw one survey that showed 28% of fans were upset by the Leafs for not saluting. The remainder were not upset or could careless. But, certain members of the Toronto media want to keep this fire going. So to Hayes, O'Neill, Simmons & Feschuk here is my salute to you: