Quote:
Originally Posted by Resolute 14
In this thread: bitter small people.
The simple truth is, Fleury's number is retired, and has been since 1999. It is pretty lame that the org hasn't found it's way to formalizing this yet.
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Bitter small people? Seriously?
There are people with valid opinions on why Fleury should not be honored. Yes, nobody at all is taking away his on-ice success - he was a very good player and was often a huge treat to watch. I don't think there is anyone taking issue with that.
I believe people are taking issue with it is because they think the standard for jersey retirements and/or honoring should go beyond on-ice performances and include the 'great ambassador for the team and the community' aspect. I find nothing wrong with that, and I wouldn't characterize these people as being bitter or small at all.
Even if you don't believe that a player has to show those values - that they don't have to be such an ambassador to the game, a wonderful team mate, or an ambassador for the community, at least a player (in the opinion of myself and I am guessing many other posters) shouldn't be bringing with him such an air of negativity and controversy.
I don't think you can categorize people as being bitter and small for thinking that.
I would also like to add a bit to the 'Conroy' points.
Yes, Fleury was spot-on in regards to Conroy's performance. Everyone saw it. We all knew 'this is it'. I just find it rather 'small and bitter' (sorry Resolute) that Fleury had to make those public comments. Does he have the right? Absolutely - everyone does. Was it true? Yeah, probably. Should he have said it or at least worded his statement a little bit more 'PR'? DEFINITELY. He came off as a pretty bitter dude there, and I think embarrassed Conroy. Conroy of all people! If there is a single player in the history of the organization that has possibly shown more class than Lanny MacDonald (if that is possible even), it would have to be Conroy. To make those comments and embarrass him in the media like that I thought was 'low-class'.
Also, calling the organization 'stupid' on top of this when they went out of their way to help him get reinstated (rather a huge favor, no?) and allowed him to retire with some dignity and class (upon which that became a bit tarnished with his said remarks) was a bit ridiculous and shows that Fleury still has no filter and in no way can ever be considered an 'ambassador to the team'.
IMO, what would have been really stupid by the management team, would have been to bank on a 41 year old former player who was completely out of hockey for the past 5 years and POSSIBLY bringing loads of baggage over re-signing a 38 year old center who was continually in the NHL and who carries a lot of positive leadership qualities and attributes. I think they made the right choice there, even if Conroy only lasted 18 games.