Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
Those decisions are made by the teams that retired the players, not by those who own and control the Calgary Flames. What happened with those particular players is irrelevant to the discussion of the Calgary Flames. The Flames have made it very clear they are building this team through quality character and quality people. See the non-drafting of Skinkaruk. The honors they bestow on past players will reflect the same belief.
A vendetta? You're making an accusation that there are a group of people that are conspiring against Fleury and depriving him of something rightfully his. What you are forgetting is that the honor is bestowed by the team, and by the owners of that team, not by anyone else. If there is a vendetta against Fleury, and I don't believe there is, it is one of the player's making, based on his behaviors toward the team and owners.
You're going to have to accept the fact that the honor of number retirement is decided by the ownership of the team and all the foot stamping and kicking and screaming, by a very small group of fans of the hockey club, will have little bearing on their decision. They have more insight into what Fleury meant to team, on and off the ice, than the fans do and they will make the right decision for their team. Whatever the outcome is, there are going to be some upset people.
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Fleury not only was the greatest player during his era for the Flames statistically he played with tremendous heart and courage battling Crohn's and Colitus disease and alcohol abuse, battling alcoholism and substance abuse as a direct result of coping with being raped as a teenager.
Fleury played with his heart on his sleeve always. He made games that were often mis matches interesting to watch and gave the Flames a chance to win and was always exciting to watch while he was a Flame.
Fleury was a reason fans paid a ticket and went to the Dome to watch an average team.
Fleury was the main draw to the gate for the Flames many of the years he was here.
Fleury is a champion for those that are Small in stature and are told you can't make it as an athlete.
He is champion for victims of Crohn's disease.
He is is a champion for victims of Alcoholism.
He is a champion for victims of substance abuse.
He is a champion for victims of sexual abuse. Correction victims of predatory RAPE.
We as Flames fans and the Flames ownership are fortunate that a small 145lb kid didn't let all his demons and health conditions ruin him 2 years into his career and pack it in. No he fought through it ALL of it and battled that is character.
How many people organization or fans opposed to Fleury having his number not retired would have had their lives unaffected negatively going through all of what Fleury
did and not have their lives/careers turn out vastly different.
Fleury statistically was a legend to the Flames and he has done everything charitable he could to make amends for his mistakes.
There are a lot of people throwing stones in glass house when it comes to Fleury and that includes the organization.
The Flames have every right to deny Fleury but I strongly disagree with their stance especially because of Graham James and what Fleury has stood for and fought against since it all has become public.
Fleury should not be scrutinized so harshly by the Flames now that they know the truth behind his self destructive behavior and how he has evolved to become a very charitable community oriented Calgarian.
Personally I think he is a good man and is a voice for many hurt victims.