I found the opposite about Theo. Who didn't love him at first? He wasn't polarizing I thought, except at the onset of his career to how successful he could become.
I stopped liking him as a Flame years before he was traded. I just started to see his selfishness on the ice (hogging the puck, and those selfish penalties), the rumors of him and Roberts not getting along and helping to drive out Roberts (well, that and the Flames were wary of the insurance with regards to his health IIRC), a few other things. It slowly made me more critical of Fleury, even though he had absolutely all-world talent.
What made me stop being a fan completely was his comments that I read in the Herald one day about not wanting to practice because he didn't need it, or was talented enough and it was a waste of time - something along those lines. My first thought was "Not a single ounce of respect for the other guys on that team". I thought the team was a much better 'team' without Fleury after he was traded, and Bure (yeah, I know a lot of people don't like him) especially filled-in offensively as he got to hold onto the puck much more.
What he has done and said since leaving Calgary just keeps increasing my dislike for him.
Calgary graciously gave him a tryout and played him in the preseason as recognition of his past successes and how big of a fan favorite he was, giving him the opportunity to 'go out on his own terms'. When they didn't sign him, he goes out and starts slagging the ONLY team that was gracious enough to give him a tryout? Starts openly criticizing both players and management?
I can understand how people love the guy. Great 'feel good' story, and he was a fun and exciting player to watch. I truly get that.
I just don't get how the Flames can honor him with genuine smiles on their faces, and not worry about him saying something stupid during the ceremony given his history.
|