Evander Kane tracksuit saga

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

I would hope that anyone thats being bullied by his current teammates is welcomed with open arms by a new team

regardless of what you think Kane did, this looks poorer on the Jets lack of leadership

as others have said if Kane really is an 'outsider' within the team, ostracizing him more is just bullying and wouldnt happen in a lockerroom with veteran leadership

I'll say it again: in light of all the info coming out, for you to take away that he's innocent and a victim of bullying couldn't be more off the mark.

There are years worth of stories of Kane being an absolute selfish detriment lacking any semblance of class.

That couldn't be a better fit in Vancouver which has always been an epicentre of classlessness and a team completely devoid of character.

The fact you're hearing these stories, blocking out the parts you don't want to hear, and would welcome this kind of attitude with open arms speaks for itself.

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

It's not like they are picking on him because they think he is a dork, or because he book smart or something like that. Kane's snooty attitude is a slap in the face to his teammates and they are striking back. Maybe it isn't the most mature way to deal with it, but it is not bullying. If he can show respect to them, I am sure they would do the same.

I think we just disagree on what's bullying

to me, someone who is still clearly immature and has issues fitting in with his teammates (Kane), anything pushing him further away is a form of bullying or hazing, which has no place in the game today at any level

they are a young team with no real leaders so it's probably not just the right fit, put him with a team that has some veterans and who knows maybe he has someone to emulate

some guys just fit better with different groups (Seguin the clearest example) but there are plenty throughout the history of the league

[sureLoss]

Think this is coming from Kane's agent:

Renaud Lavoie @renlavoietva
1) #jets Evander Kane was in a track suite because he thought the team meeting was at the team hotel and not a the arena.

Renaud Lavoie @renlavoietva
2) when he realized the meeting was at the Arena he didn't had time to go back at his place in Vancouver to change. #kane #jets

[getbak]

Former (barely) NHLer, Josh Green, weighs in...

Josh Green ‏@greendogg12

Evander, come to Finland. No dress code for games. I wear sweat pants to away games. It's awesome. So comfy.

[mdubz]

I'm going to be so happy when they trade him to the east so that these Canuck fans can shut up about getting him.

[united]

You guys can't just point the fingers at the current Jets leadership group/coaching/management either. If you do that you have to blame the current group, the group from a couple years ago, the Thrashers' group, and the Giants' group. Oh, and don't forget Dynamo Minsk where he was kicked off the team - sorry, "mutually parted ways" - after just 12 games in the lockout season.

Much bad leadership/coaching/management.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Who decides what bullying is? I'm guessing if a kid threw another classmates clothes in the shower when they were changing for gym class it would be called bullying.

Kane obviously felt bullied if he decided to stay home for the game.

He was in his home town, and was likely looking forward to playing that game.

This would not fly in any other job, but it's a sport and they are teammates so it's just Byfuglien being a good leader.

I can tell you what bullying is, because I've experienced plenty of it in my lifetime. It's when stronger people take out frustration on weaker people who have very little self-confidence or agency. That's just not Evander Kane, who has never had problems speaking up for himself or with self-confidence. Bullies attack or antagonize someone for no particular reason, simply because they can, usually to overcome personal insecurities and feel more powerful. That's not what's happening here. Kane is being punished for poor behavior and attitude, and the usual methods of trying to reach him weren't working, so they tried a new approach. Simple as that. The approach was childish, and the merits of it can be debated, but in no way is it bullying anymore than someone being yelled at in a work environment for violation of company policy is bullying.

[SportsJunky]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Sure Kane is at fault for breaking team dress code, but it's clear that it isn't the first incident he had with teammates.

Is this really about breaking the dress code though? Sounds like the players have had issues with his attitude before. Do you think he didn't know what type of reaction he was going to get? He chose to do it anyway.

[SuperMatt18]

It's funny, because the reactions here are exactly what you would expect from the hockey community.

In 99% of all other cases that exact action is bullying. But since it happened in the locker room, and since the other guys don't like him since he is a cancer, he obviously deserved it.

Its funny, 18 months ago Byfuglien was an out of shape cancer who couldn't get himself in shape for the season, was getting a DUI for drinking while boating, and was a bad contract. But now he is playing good, and threw somebody's (who nobody likes) clothes in the shower, so he is a leader that everyone wants on their team.

Kane is a player who has always showed up in shape. Played through an MCL strain, and two separate fractures this year, and is playing with a different undisclosed injury right now (selfish!). But he acts like a rap star, flaunts his money, and wore a track suit instead of jeans and a t-shirt to the morning skate so he's a cancer.

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by GoJetsGo

I'll say it again: in light of all the info coming out, for you to take away that he's innocent and a victim of bullying couldn't be more off the mark.

There are years worth of stories of Kane being an absolute selfish detriment lacking any semblance of class.

That couldn't be a better fit in Vancouver which has always been an epicentre of classlessness and a team completely devoid of character.

The fact you're hearing these stories, blocking out the parts you don't want to hear, and would welcome this kind of attitude with open arms speaks for itself.

I've said he's been immature, Ive said he needs to change, not going to completely judge a young kid's ability to mature on a few incidents

You act like he's the first NHL'er to be selfish or do this stuff, he's not, but his teammates handled it in a horrible way

what speaks for itself? that I live in Vancouver so I lack class and character? whats with the constant shots at that?

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

they are a young team with no real leaders so it's probably not just the right fit, put him with a team that has some veterans and who knows maybe he has someone to emulate

Perfect. Pair him with Burrows who can teach him about biting, pulling hair etc.

Veterans like he and Bieksa seem like a great match as far as turning a putrid attitude around go.

Then there's the vocal Sedin twins to help keep him in line. It's not like they're the types to allow someone to punch them in the face repeatedly without responding. That's strong leadership right there.

Sounds like the perfect environment to insert a problem child and have him turned right around and set on the right path by the strong, character driven team-mates available in Vancouver.

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

what speaks for itself? that I live in Vancouver so I lack class and character? whats with the constant shots at that?

Vancouver fans seem to have had no problem with the years of spineless hair pulling, biting, diving etc. So the fact this issue comes up with a guy who looks to be a huge detriment with major character problems and you can't sound more eager to add him to that dressing room speaks volumes as far as I'm concerned.

[Eric Vail]

What Evander really needs is a swuit. A suit made of sweat pants material. He'd be ready for the meeting at the arena or at the hotel.

[CofR]

Isn't the dress code in the CBA as well as being a team policy?

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by GoJetsGo

Perfect. Pair him with Burrows who can teach him about biting, pulling hair etc.

Veterans like he and Bieksa seem like a great match as far as turning a putrid attitude around go.

Then there's the vocal Sedin twins to help keep him in line. It's not like they're the types to allow someone to punch them in the face repeatedly without responding. That's strong leadership right there.

Sounds like the perfect environment to insert a problem child and have him turned right around and set on the right path by the strong, character driven team-mates available in Vancouver.

If you dont think the Sedins are quality leaders, not only with the team (and what Swedish players have said about them with the national team) but around the city with their charity work, I dont know what to say

Henrik should look up to Dustin Byfuglian and show up to camp overweight, after a DUI in the summer, and ask how he leads his team

[locsofblu]

I would not want Kane on my team. He just seems like a little punk.

[getbak]

I wonder how well he got along with Bouma in their junior days.

[Hack&Lube]

Tracksuits are against team policies? Do they wear suits and ties to meetings?

[Gaudfather]

Next time Buff should throw Kane's bricks of cash in the shower - that would likely get his attention faster!

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

It's funny, because the reactions here are exactly what you would expect from the hockey community.

In 99% of all other cases that exact action is bullying. But since it happened in the locker room, and since the other guys don't like him since he is a cancer, he obviously deserved it.

Its funny, 18 months ago Byfuglien was an out of shape cancer who couldn't get himself in shape for the season, was getting a DUI for drinking while boating, and was a bad contract. But now he is playing good, and threw somebody's clothes in the shower o he is a leader that everyone wants on their team.

Kane is a player who has always showed up in shape. Played through an MCL strain, and two separate fractures this year, and is playing with a different undisclosed injury right now (selfish!). But he acts like a rap star, flaunts his money, and wore a track suit instead of jeans and a t-shirt to the morning skate so he's a cancer.

Well if he's not endearing himself to his teammates he is a cancer.

You're right, this is the NHL, not the NFL. There is a certain culture that builds close, winning teams and the arrogant rap star isn't it. Hockey shouldn't apologize because it has a distaste for egomaniac individualism in its sport. Just look at the Flames and you'll see what it takes to gel as a cohesive team in this sport. No individualism. Kane's an idiot.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

It's funny, because the reactions here are exactly what you would expect from the hockey community.

In 99% of all other cases that exact action is bullying. But since it happened in the locker room, and since the other guys don't like him since he is a cancer, he obviously deserved it.

Its funny, 18 months ago Byfuglien was an out of shape cancer who couldn't get himself in shape for the season, was getting a DUI for drinking while boating, and was a bad contract. But now he is playing good, and threw somebody's clothes in the shower o he is a leader that everyone wants on their team.

Kane is a player who has always showed up in shape. Played through an MCL strain, and two separate fractures this year, and is playing with a different undisclosed injury right now (selfish!). But he acts like a rap star, flaunts his money, and wore a track suit instead of jeans and a t-shirt to the morning skate so he's a cancer.

Byfuglien was a cancer? Never been said. In fact, you'll see him with teammates ALL THE TIME in wedding photos, team outings, etc. Kane is always seem putting person before team. There's a mountain of difference if you look. Read Friedman's story from September about how great Byfuglien has been with the rookies and you'll see the "cancer" label is in your imagination.

Kane may certainly mature, as can Johnny Manziel and a host of other troubled young athletes. The question is, is it worth it if they don't? Look at the distraction it's now causing the Jets? It's not like there isn't a Texas sized risk here