Has Jeff O'Neill from TSN always been a jerk?

[ps241]

It seems to me Jeff O'Neill is more suited to local sports shock jock then national tv analyst. I expect a more sophisticated level of understanding than he has shown.

Yea it isn't really even the shot against Winnipeg because I can take that and laugh it off its that he said the young players wouldn't sign here and he ignores that they have no other NHL choices while they are restricted which is a long period of time and he also ignores the fact all the key Jets assets have committed to long term deals, even the ones that could have run out the shot clock and moved.

Local shock jock might be a spot he could blend in.

 

[LadyJet26]

This is why I'm glad (now) Rogers got national rights.

I don't have to listen to TSN's poor choice in "analysts"

 

[RalphyTSN1290]

*shakes head

I don't wander in here very much. The odd time I do it's usually a quick glance to check the "mood" of a certain group of Jets fans. But the last two times I'm amazed at the flat out attacks on individuals. So and so is fat, lazy, drunk, abusive, an idiot, and not necessarily about J.O. in this thread. Opinions don't have to be agreed with, but why respond with personal attacks? Honestly, I'm here in peace. Just curious as to why on a public domain many would say such? Is it because no one has to identify themselves?

Rick

 

[Hank Chinaski]

I don't wander in here very much. The odd time I do it's usually a quick glance to check the "mood" of a certain group of Jets fans. But the last two times I'm amazed at the flat out attacks on individuals. So and so is fat, lazy, drunk, abusive, an idiot, and not necessarily about J.O. in this thread. Opinions don't have to be agreed with, but why respond with personal attacks? Honestly, I'm here in peace. Just curious as to why on a public domain many would say such? Is it because no one has to identify themselves?

Rick

Hi Rick,

Thanks for your feedback.

As a hockey message board, HF's job is to deliver an unfiltered opinion and, from time to time, our views may be controversial. In this particular case, HF shared their views and we will make sure that your views are shared with HF. We’ll also be sure to pass along your comments to our moderating team.

Kind regards,

Jake
HF Audience Relations

(I couldn't resist )

 

[JC Numminen]

I don't wander in here very much. The odd time I do it's usually a quick glance to check the "mood" of a certain group of Jets fans. But the last two times I'm amazed at the flat out attacks on individuals. So and so is fat, lazy, drunk, abusive, an idiot, and not necessarily about J.O. in this thread. Opinions don't have to be agreed with, but why respond with personal attacks? Honestly, I'm here in peace. Just curious as to why on a public domain many would say such? Is it because no one has to identify themselves?

Rick

To be fair, very few of us are attacking anyone. But I'll agree it's terrible. Some of its just emotion from having a professional analyst on Canada's biggest sports network say no one wants to play in Winnipeg and the other, the part that really got me, was him calling a jets fan a loser because she didn't agree with what he said, and told her to fiqure her life out. But that dosent make what we where doing right. Im done posting on this thread now.

 

[ps241]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for your feedback.

As a hockey message board, HF's job is to deliver an unfiltered opinion and, from time to time, our views may be controversial. In this particular case, HF shared their views and we will make sure that your views are shared with HF. We’ll also be sure to pass along your comments to our moderating team.

Kind regards,

Jake
HF Audience Relations

(I couldn't resist )

touché

 

[Hank Chinaski]

Kidding aside, I'm definitely not condoning these personal attacks (especially the comments like "fat", "drunk", etc.), and ideally they wouldn't happen. But to some extent it does come with the territory. Is it any less a personal attack than when someone calls Dustin Byfuglien "lazy" or Evander Kane "selfish"? I've heard both these characterizations in the mainstream media.

You can say that these are fair game because they are criticisms of their on-ice performance, I would counter by saying that these are criticisms of media personalities and their on-air persona. Away from a microphone or camera, Jeff O'Neill might very well be a swell guy. At the same time, I think we should be allowed to comment on his comments being a bit noxious (his Twitter attack) and ill-informed (his TSN comments), no? Just my two cents.

PS> I don't think the anonymity has anything to do with it. People on Twitter were saying much more aggressive things, many of those comments from people that can be identified.

 

[TCsmyth]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for your feedback.

As a hockey message board, HF's job is to deliver an unfiltered opinion and, from time to time, our views may be controversial. In this particular case, HF shared their views and we will make sure that your views are shared with HF. We’ll also be sure to pass along your comments to our moderating team.

Kind regards,

Jake
HF Audience Relations

(I couldn't resist )

This is very funny...Rick, your sense of humour has to appreciate this one, no?

I like the fact you drop in. In fairness, I have not noted too many personal attacks (I pondered whether Jeff was scared of cabs...more a quip than an attack), but I don't like them either - as I am sure the majority don't.

Interesting to me is that public figures with a broad and national forum would actually personally attack a viewer/listener. Did yourself or anyone from TSN chastise Jeff for his vitriol on twitter? Did anyone on TSN provide a counter point to O'Neill's ill informed opinion about young talent signing for any length of time in Winnipeg? For all the talking heads at TSN - those two things to me is the failing, not what Jeff O'Neill believes is factual, or what a few goofs say on an Internet forum.

For all I know, O'Neill may have been warned/reprimanded for his twitter musings - and posters here may have been infracted. Weirdly for me, I am starting to warm up to Hockeycentral on Sportsnet because although I disagree with many opinions - at least they challenge each other.

 

[RalphyTSN1290]

That's fair. I can't go on the air and call someone a drunk or abusive or I could face a lawsuit. Fat or lazy..well I could do such if I felt it is warranted. Weight can directly affect an athletes ability to perform their job. I'm not so sure it has any bearing on a media member carrying out their job.

Unfiltered for sure here. Players don't go to message boards so they're not concerned with it. I've never been on these until exactly a year ago. I honestly don't visit much as I have found it's not for me, but that's not to be interpreted as a slight to those who are here. Not everyone is using personal attacks either.

Finally, since this place is "unfiltered" I could make attacks as well. But really I can't due to my position. I bet this place wouldn't be as unfiltered as it is if folks were responsible for posts. But they're not.

Cheers.

 

[AnonoJet]

I don't wander in here very much. The odd time I do it's usually a quick glance to check the "mood" of a certain group of Jets fans. But the last two times I'm amazed at the flat out attacks on individuals. So and so is fat, lazy, drunk, abusive, an idiot, and not necessarily about J.O. in this thread. Opinions don't have to be agreed with, but why respond with personal attacks? Honestly, I'm here in peace. Just curious as to why on a public domain many would say such? Is it because no one has to identify themselves?

Rick

Rick,

Setting aside what you think of the reaction here, do you feel the sense of outrage is justified considering what Jeff said about our city? Also, what about TSN's response which essentially says Jeff is doing what he is paid to do. Which to me says, he has free reign in the future to insult Winnipeg with fabrications on National TV again? What do you think of that as well?

 

[RalphyTSN1290]

This is very funny...Rick, your sense of humour has to appreciate this one, no?

I like the fact you drop in. In fairness, I have not noted too many personal attacks (I pondered whether Jeff was scared of cabs...more a quip than an attack), but I don't like them either - as I am sure the majority don't.

Interesting to me is that public figures with a broad and national forum would actually personally attack a viewer/listener. Did yourself or anyone from TSN chastise Jeff for his vitriol on twitter? Did anyone on TSN provide a counter point to O'Neill's ill informed opinion about young talent signing for any length of time in Winnipeg? For all the talking heads at TSN - those two things to me is the failing, not what Jeff O'Neill believes is factual, or what a few goofs say on an Internet forum.

For all I know, O'Neill may have been warned/reprimanded for his twitter musings - and posters here may have been infracted. Weirdly for me, I am starting to warm up to Hockeycentral on Sportsnet because although I disagree with many opinions - at least they challenge each other.

I've spoken to Jeff twice. While I didn't agree with some twitter comments I had no problem with his television opinion. I don't entirely agree with what he said on TV but some of it is I agreed with. Regardless, he was laughing when he made the "no one wants to sign here, no one wants to stay here". He's talking about UFA's at this point in time, at least that's what he told me. Some think he was talking about Trouba and Scheifele. He said the Jets will need to lock them up because...(insert above comment). That's a reference to UFA's. Many teams will have that problem this summer, not just the Peg. The Jets won't even be in the market for them at this point. That will change in time. Bottom line is it's an opinion, that's all. At least that's how I took it. Everyone's entitled to one, and I don't have to agree. But I leave it at that.

 

[Hank Chinaski]

That's fair. I can't go on the air and call someone a drunk or abusive or I could face a lawsuit. Fat or lazy..well I could do such if I felt it is warranted. Weight can directly affect an athletes ability to perform their job. I'm not so sure it has any bearing on a media member carrying out their job.

Unfiltered for sure here. Players don't go to message boards so they're not concerned with it. I've never been on these until exactly a year ago. I honestly don't visit much as I have found it's not for me, but that's not to be interpreted as a slight to those who are here. Not everyone is using personal attacks either.

Finally, since this place is "unfiltered" I could make attacks as well. But really I can't due to my position. I bet this place wouldn't be as unfiltered as it is if folks were responsible for posts. But they're not.

Cheers.

Well hey, if Bob McKenzie can...

Some of you guys really are ass clowns sometimes.

http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?p=12857432

What you're describing is the nature of the beast with internet message boards. At any rate, I always respect when a media personality comes on one of these message boards and puts their name to a post.

 

[RalphyTSN1290]

Rick,

Setting aside what you think of the reaction here, do you feel the sense of outrage is justified considering what Jeff said about our city? Also, what about TSN's response which essentially says Jeff is doing what he is paid to do. Which to me says, he has free reign in the future to insult Winnipeg with fabrications on National TV again? What do you think of that as well?

I just mentioned it in a post. People get quite upset with what they interpret as an attack. I grew up in NS and we were always "attacked" so I'm used to it. I don't let comments bother me to the point I'm outraged. I have bigger concerns (stock market). Jeff is rather outspoken though.

 

[RalphyTSN1290]

Well hey, if Bob McKenzie can...



http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?p=12857432

What you're describing is the nature of the beast with internet message boards. At any rate, I always respect when a media personality comes on one of these message boards and puts their name to a post.

Assclowns...that made me laugh. Bob likely feels a little more secure having just signed a contract than me I guess.

 

[TCsmyth]

I've spoken to Jeff twice. While I didn't agree with some twitter comments I had no problem with his television opinion. I don't entirely agree with what he said on TV but some of it is I agreed with. Regardless, he was laughing when he made the "no one wants to sign here, no one wants to stay here". He's talking about UFA's at this point in time, at least that's what he told me. Some think he was talking about Trouba and Scheifele. He said the Jets will need to lock them up because...(insert above comment). That's a reference to UFA's. Many teams will have that problem this summer, not just the Peg. The Jets won't even be in the market for them at this point. That will change in time. Bottom line is it's an opinion, that's all. At least that's how I took it. Everyone's entitled to one, and I don't have to agree. But I leave it at that.

Very cool, thanks for the reply...and remember, opinions are like a55holes - everybody has one!

 

[wpgsilver]

How is this thread still going
People are going to belittle our appeal for as long as we have a team.
Yes its tasteless, but its not worth getting so worked up over.

 

[ps241]

This is very funny...Rick, your sense of humour has to appreciate this one, no?

I like the fact you drop in. In fairness, I have not noted too many personal attacks (I pondered whether Jeff was scared of cabs...more a quip than an attack), but I don't like them either - as I am sure the majority don't.

Interesting to me is that public figures with a broad and national forum would actually personally attack a viewer/listener. Did yourself or anyone from TSN chastise Jeff for his vitriol on twitter? Did anyone on TSN provide a counter point to O'Neill's ill informed opinion about young talent signing for any length of time in Winnipeg? For all the talking heads at TSN - those two things to me is the failing, not what Jeff O'Neill believes is factual, or what a few goofs say on an Internet forum.

For all I know, O'Neill may have been warned/reprimanded for his twitter musings - and posters here may have been infracted. Weirdly for me, I am starting to warm up to Hockeycentral on Sportsnet because although I disagree with many opinions - at least they challenge each other.

Great post TC

 

[ps241]

Hey Rick way to step up good series of posts.


Brad

 

[borbo]

I've spoken to Jeff twice. While I didn't agree with some twitter comments I had no problem with his television opinion. I don't entirely agree with what he said on TV but some of it is I agreed with. Regardless, he was laughing when he made the "no one wants to sign here, no one wants to stay here". He's talking about UFA's at this point in time, at least that's what he told me. Some think he was talking about Trouba and Scheifele. He said the Jets will need to lock them up because...(insert above comment). That's a reference to UFA's. Many teams will have that problem this summer, not just the Peg. The Jets won't even be in the market for them at this point. That will change in time. Bottom line is it's an opinion, that's all. At least that's how I took it. Everyone's entitled to one, and I don't have to agree. But I leave it at that.

Honestly - O'Neill attacked a fan - calling her a loser, then cowardly tried to delete the tweet. While I don't agree with the name calling - he obviously started it. Attacking a fan for a benign comment is inexcusable. There were much nastier tweets out there made after his on air remarks. If it had been a player making those comments, the media would've been all over it. But you appear to protect your own. Frankly, you saying that "I didn't agree with some twitter comments" is pretty much the ONLY response made by ANYONE associated with TSN on the matter. That's pretty deplorable. One can't help but think that the network doesn't really care about fans. Just Jeff O'Neill.

 

[pucka lucka]

Honestly - O'Neill attacked a fan - calling her a loser, then cowardly tried to delete the tweet. While I don't agree with the name calling - he obviously started it. Attacking a fan for a benign comment is inexcusable. There were much nastier tweets out there made after his on air remarks. If it had been a player making those comments, the media would've been all over it. But you appear to protect your own. Frankly, you saying that "I didn't agree with some twitter comments" is pretty much the ONLY response made by ANYONE associated with TSN on the matter. That's pretty deplorable. One can't help but think that the network doesn't really care about fans. Just Jeff O'Neill.

The only time Ralph seems to show up here is to defend a coworker. I find it unprofessional. I'll tell you my real name, btw.

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Honestly - O'Neill attacked a fan - calling her a loser, then cowardly tried to delete the tweet. While I don't agree with the name calling - he obviously started it. Attacking a fan for a benign comment is inexcusable. There were much nastier tweets out there made after his on air remarks. If it had been a player making those comments, the media would've been all over it. But you appear to protect your own. Frankly, you saying that "I didn't agree with some twitter comments" is pretty much the ONLY response made by ANYONE associated with TSN on the matter. That's pretty deplorable. One can't help but think that the network doesn't really care about fans. Just Jeff O'Neill.

Im on board with this. I don't care what Jeff O'Neill said about Winnipeg, another "analyst" elsewhere may say Phoenix is not a desirable destination for players (and for some, it's not).

I take issue with his choice to berate a fan by calling them a pathetic loser or whatever was said on Twitter. Any media outlet that passes this off as a "controversial opinion" is not only plainly ignoring an employee's wrongdoing, they are in effect supporting his behaviour. If I'm a shareholder of said corporation, I'd be demanding his head for attacking a fan in that way. It's inexcusable.

 

[JetsHomer]

I don't have a problem with what Jeff O'Neill says, just disappointed at how TSN has handled this. O'Neill just simply put isn't a very good analyst. He's a bro-type that played the game and think it makes him more knowledgeable. TSN should really be trying to find quality analysts rather than controversial opinion spewing mouth pieces. More Friedman's less Healy's thanks. I bet he got a pretty thorough talking too from his bosses, it would be incredibly dumb for TSN to alienate Jets fans right now, when Jets are the majority of hockey they can show.

The fact that O'Neill is a complete Toronto homer also annoys the heck out of me. At least pretend to be unbiased, Dreger is clearly a Leafs fan but he's not shoving it down everyone's throats. Girgorenko gets scratched against the Leafs and he's a "bust" , Rielly can't find his way into the line-up for ten games and he's a "Calder candidate". Kadri should have one the Hart last year, was "just going to the net" when he ran Backstrom ect

Then you have this comments about the Jets, which again, have been proven to be inaccurate. Little, Ladd, Wheeler, Enstrom, Bogosian have all signed long term contracts here. As much as a bust as he's been Jokinen was still the top UFA center available when we signed him. If an analyst is going to be incorrect they should expect criticism. If they resort to childish insults when called out on it then they are fair game as far as I'm concerned. I'd personally rather just talk about O'Neill's foolish opinions about hockey, but he was the one that started the name-calling, he has to know better as a public figure. If I responded to a tweet criticizing my work by calling a client I was helping a 'loser' simply for disagreeing with me I'd be fired, plain and simple. But instead of doing anything about it at all, it seems like TSN is going to double down on controversial opinions rather than quality analysis. Highly disappointing.

 

[pucka lucka]

I don't have a problem with what Jeff O'Neill says, just disappointed at how TSN has handled this. O'Neill just simply put isn't a very good analyst. He's a bro-type that played the game and think it makes him more knowledgeable. TSN should really be trying to find quality analysts rather than controversial opinion spewing mouth pieces. More Friedman's less Healy's thanks. I bet he got a pretty thorough talking too from his bosses, it would be incredibly dumb for TSN to alienate Jets fans right now, when Jets are the majority of hockey they can show.

The fact that O'Neill is a complete Toronto homer also annoys the heck out of me. At least pretend to be unbiased, Dreger is clearly a Leafs fans but he's not shoving it down everyones throats. Girgorenko gets scratched against the Leafs and he's a "bust" , Rielly can't find his way into the line-up for ten games and he's a "Calder candidate". Kadri should have one the Hart last year, was "just going to the net" when he ran Backstrom.

Then you have this comments about the Jets, which again, have been proven to be inaccurate. Little, Ladd, Wheeler, Enstrom, Bogosian have all signed long term contracts here. As much as a bust as he's been Jokinen was still the top UFA center available when we signed him. If an analyst is going to be incorrect they should expect criticism. If they resort to childish insults when called out on it then they are fair game as far as I'm concerned. I'd personally rather just talk about O'Neill's foolish opinions about hockey, but he was the one that started the name-calling, he has to know better as a public figure.

This is why I don't like Ralph coming in here and calling out a small minority. It's unprofessional. Just as Jeff O'Neill is. He's a terrible analyst as you've pointed out.

 

[Bristo]

Hey Rick,

Regarding Jeff O'Neill, setting aside from his rough assessment of our life here (Winnipeg is cold, but it is hardly the wasteland he makes it out to be) he made patently false remarks. We just signed a whole bunch of young players to long contracts this off season past, and he said young players don't want to sign here long term. He lacks integrity, and he's attacked a viewer. We viewers are your product, we're what you sell to your advertisers. How does this get swept under the rug so indifferently?

Dude should just tweet that he was wrong in his remarks (I'm not talking about it being cold here, it is. I think you know what I'm getting at) and he should apologize to the fan he insulted. He'd make up tons of mileage, at least in my books, if he actually did this. I doubt he will though.

Regarding our behaviour, yeah, some of us (myself included) have been pretty awful. For my part I'm disappointed, I shouldn't attack the guy personally. I acknowledge this.

On a different note: I applaud you for being open with your identity here. It would be very easy to hide behind a handle, for all we know there are other TSN 1290 participants here. Instead, we all know who you are at the risk of personal jabs on yourself. But this actually allows for a really neat dynamic between armchair GMs and someone who is professionally involved. I would encourage you to take part in some of the other threads here more actively (though I do know you are extremely busy, and this is just more work for you, so I can see how this wouldn't necessarily appeal).

 

[tbcwpg]

This is why I don't like Ralph coming in here and calling out a small minority. It's unprofessional. Just as Jeff O'Neill is. He's a terrible analyst as you've pointed out.

Wasn't a small minority when he first posted here, it was the common theme running through the first couple of pages.