They happen "once and they move on" is because the NHL sweeps them under the rug. The Tim Peel fiasco should've launched a large scale investigation into the league but f*** me if those goofs aren't the safest thing in the planet. Hell they could've put the NHL refs in that tub that went to the Titanic and they would've came back alive.
It's so weird because this wasn't an issue at all until this year and the instant it becomes an issue the NHL just sidesteps it because it's the easy thing to do. The NHL never does anything right. It's a shit league with shit owners and a shit commissioner all with knees of gelatin.
To the bolded specifically, you're not. And there is an absolutely zero chance of that happening.
Do you honestly think every thing the players do on and off the ice is by choice? Sitting in a mall signing autographs for hours on end sounds like a lovely time, doesn't it? Or half the charity work they do? Nah, but they do it anyway.
And if the players are worried about online harassment then jeez I hope none of them have internet connections. You go to certain corners of the internet and the things they say about the players will make you reconsider how good the human race actually is.
See, the thing here is that the players are still free to have their opinions, so long as they understand that people may not like those opinions. If they're that scared of backlash from the fans then maybe sports just aren't for them. It would honestly be refreshing for some of them to have a moment of introspection rather than just hide behind whatever BS religion they support.
Players are subject to scrutiny by the media and online communities constantly. When Hyman spoke up this year about his support for Pride Nights a lot of people applauded him but there were certainly a handful that cried foul because he hurt their feelings or whatever.
Let me put it this way, the NHL is more scared of losing fans due to the "woke mind virus" than they are for actual crimes and corruption that go on behind the scenes. That to me is the sign of a league that should never be taken seriously.
If you're ok with players being outcast and vilified for their opinions or religious beliefs over an employer initiative forced upon them, then thats your cross to bear, personally I would rather not. You are still not recognizing that the Players Union is very unhappy some of its members are being trashed in the media for decisions made by their club or league outside of the players contract and has the legal right to ask it to stop, which they have done. (its been written and discussed in the media that the NHLPA would bring this up with Bettman once the new head of the union was selected)
Players are contractually obligated to do certain and so many public appearances each season including mall autograph sessions. As for charity work they chose to do that voluntarily, which is
exactly what the NHL is saying and doing with team social initiatives.
As for forcing someone to attend a parade or rally, we now live in a polarized society that if you do not support an initiative then you are automatically against it and then subject to all sorts of uncalled for abuse and bullying online. That is what I dislike. We have lost all civil discussion, tolerance and respect for others opinions thanks to these lit up calculators we converse on. It's now a polarized world.
And as for the NHL I am one of the more vocal on here that the league is lost in a bush of its own making, and is always a victim of its own unintended consequences, including this one. I do not deny the league looks bad, however I understand and actually support the decision as I value the right to choose what social and political initiatives one should support and not have that thrust upon you by your employer or government.
You are free to take your time elsewhere and support another league or sport as I said. I am fed up with the league over how it conducts its business as well, but they did the only thing they could here.
Anyway I wont change your mind, you wont change mine, thanks for keeping the discussion civil, much appreciated.
