I found Ed Rogers choice of words during the presser to be particularly interesting compared with what Tanenbaum wrote in the famous letter of apology.
"
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a public trust with the greatest fans in the world" (
Tanenbaum, April 2012)
“
Being involved with these teams is a public trust and we view that as a responsibility that we take very seriously” (
Ed Rogers, Sept 2024)
Definition of a
public trust: within the public lies the true power of a society; therefore,
whatever trust citizens place in its officials must be respected.
Do you feel respected by this team?
They know they aren’t a public trust. This is a corporation. One that will put it's own best interests ahead of the fans every time.
But it's seen as a public trust by the fans so they use it in their marketing ploys.
For the first time in twelve years they felt the need to drive that point home. Maybe it's a sign ML$E fears loyalty is waning. They're worried fans will turn away from the team.
The Leafs are in danger of losing their identity with this acquisition.
So they are making an appeal to the public. To prove they're still the same team fans know and love. Except the cries for change have been growing louder for years.
If they actually had any respect for the greatest fans in the world they would listen.