Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Reeeeead
Xavier Gutierrez:
This is an amazing opportunity, that should have been earned based on the player doing these things on his own accord. It basically reads to me like he is being provided with the opportunity and platform to be transformed into a leader BECAUSE of his past experience being a decade long bully.
I agree with the premise that a past bully, that matures and comes to these realizations on their own accord without the benefit of having an ample reward at the end of the road, could become a really good spokesperson for this topic. Someone who can share how he became that way, why he didn't see the warning signs, understanding the damage he created in hindsight, and how to repair one's life. That makes sense.
Just doesn't feel like this particular person has demonstrated the leadership skills to be that spokesperson, or earned the opportunity himself. He's getting the opportunity because he represented a "good value" at the draft slot he fell to.
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In all fairness, he's not going to get this opportunity unless he earns it through his on ice play (ie makes the NHL). The Coyotes are basically saying that if he's good enough to make the NHL, they'll make him repent for his actions via on-going, off-ice community service.
But that's really something all NHL players are expected to do (off-ice community service) as part of being ambassadors for the game. So it's really a non-event.