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New York Islanders Blogger •
In an attempt to perhaps get the heat off, and also to face head-on what is a clear problem, the Isles have made the following announcement:
"The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for. They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against our team concept of grit, character and heart.
"We know Chris as a respected teammate and as a gracious man away from the playing surface and believe strongly that he has earned our continued support. The Islanders are going to provide some time for Chris away from the team and give him the counseling he needs and the compassion he deserves. When Chris is completely ready, he will be a member of our team again."
- Charles Wang
"I want to start off by making clear that there is no excuse for my actions on Saturday night and I apologize to everyone involved.
"The Islanders and I agree that the right thing to do is for me to take some time away from the team. I have enjoyed a long career achieving my dream of being a player in the National Hockey League and I'm proud of my accomplishments. But I acknowledge that time and assistance is needed before I return to the game.
"I want to thank the Islanders for providing the environment for me to become a better player and person, and our fans for their support along the way."
- Chris Simon
No, it all doesn't make it better. But it does take a firm hand to a clearly serious situation. Kudos to the Isles ownership and organization for a proper damage control. Something other organizations, especially in other sports, do NOT do. (NY Basketball, anyone?)
It says basically:
1. That the behavior is not tolerated
2. They care about their players, despite it, and want them to seek help.
Does it make what he did better? No. And it should not sway the punishment soon to be meted out. But it does show class, couth and tact . . . which for all of sports as a whole as been missing . . . between Mitchell Reports, harassment suits and other hucksterisms and shenanigans .
It can't have been a happy place or sunshine and lollipops on LI since Saturday. And the organization should be commended for facing it pro-actively rather than "who us?" shell game that goes on time to time in professional sports (paging Paul Holmgren). Accountability, an attribute missing to many a company, much less a sports team, is refreshing.
To be honest, part of it is also trying to protect their own player, because a large number of Isles fans, not just all hockey fans, think he should be gone from hockey. So, counseling might not be enough at this juncture when there is a clear history. Counseling offsets aberrations to behavior, not habits to behavior. And that is why it might not stave the condemnation.
GIVING AWAY TICKETS for 12/22 isles vs Caps
Make sure to post in the Giveaway thread. 350th post gets two free tickets. So come and get your free tickets here!. Its been a slow Monday, so we could use all your help to get to our goal.
Email: B.D. Gallof
"The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for. They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against our team concept of grit, character and heart.
"We know Chris as a respected teammate and as a gracious man away from the playing surface and believe strongly that he has earned our continued support. The Islanders are going to provide some time for Chris away from the team and give him the counseling he needs and the compassion he deserves. When Chris is completely ready, he will be a member of our team again."
- Charles Wang
"I want to start off by making clear that there is no excuse for my actions on Saturday night and I apologize to everyone involved.
"The Islanders and I agree that the right thing to do is for me to take some time away from the team. I have enjoyed a long career achieving my dream of being a player in the National Hockey League and I'm proud of my accomplishments. But I acknowledge that time and assistance is needed before I return to the game.
"I want to thank the Islanders for providing the environment for me to become a better player and person, and our fans for their support along the way."
- Chris Simon
No, it all doesn't make it better. But it does take a firm hand to a clearly serious situation. Kudos to the Isles ownership and organization for a proper damage control. Something other organizations, especially in other sports, do NOT do. (NY Basketball, anyone?)
It says basically:
1. That the behavior is not tolerated
2. They care about their players, despite it, and want them to seek help.
Does it make what he did better? No. And it should not sway the punishment soon to be meted out. But it does show class, couth and tact . . . which for all of sports as a whole as been missing . . . between Mitchell Reports, harassment suits and other hucksterisms and shenanigans .
It can't have been a happy place or sunshine and lollipops on LI since Saturday. And the organization should be commended for facing it pro-actively rather than "who us?" shell game that goes on time to time in professional sports (paging Paul Holmgren). Accountability, an attribute missing to many a company, much less a sports team, is refreshing.
To be honest, part of it is also trying to protect their own player, because a large number of Isles fans, not just all hockey fans, think he should be gone from hockey. So, counseling might not be enough at this juncture when there is a clear history. Counseling offsets aberrations to behavior, not habits to behavior. And that is why it might not stave the condemnation.
GIVING AWAY TICKETS for 12/22 isles vs Caps
Make sure to post in the Giveaway thread. 350th post gets two free tickets. So come and get your free tickets here!. Its been a slow Monday, so we could use all your help to get to our goal.
Email: B.D. Gallof
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