Edited Nov. 6, 2022 at 2:21 p.m.
Quoting: bhavikp27
Because there are more than hundreds of other good people in the organization and one bad guy doesn't mean the whole organization is awful. It's a stupid decision but just because you're a fan of the team, it doesn't mean you support every move.
In the meantime, think of an answer to this question for when your favorite team sign a player like that. It will come.
I'll take that challenge.
If the Leafs signed him, I would write a letter to management expressing my disgust with the decision and I would refuse to watch the Leafs.
I've put up with a lot of pain, anguish and disappointment with the Leafs over the years, they are the only team I have ever cheered for, Us Leafs fans take a lot of heat for our loyalty, but if the Leafs signed him to an NHL contract I would absolutely, 100% end my support to the team. It would be done, OVER, kaputz.
I would only return to support the Leafs when the situation was rectified and the management that made the decision in the first place was replaced.
This specific individual went beyond just being and ignorant 14 yr old kid who said some racist crap (most likely at that age he didn't even fully understand racism). This was systemic racism, mental and physical abuse of a disabled kid. HE ASSAULTED AND HUMILIATED A DISABLED CHILD... and this abuse went on for years. When I read about what he did I was physically repelled and felt nauseated. Honestly, I don;t know how this guy has been able to get by without a serious sh*tkicking.... if someone did that to anyone I knew I would probably end up in jail. This isn't just racism, this is a sick, twisted human being. He has shown no remorse, made no effort publicly to address the things he's done beyond a minor statement of regret... and the bruins just rewarded him with $950,000 annually for 3 yrs. Normally, I would give someone a 2nd chance if it was an isolated incident or a human error in judgement that we are all capable of making. Not this time, not with this guy.
I watch these incidents very closely, I will admit I have a tiny fear inside that the Leafs could make the same mistake and hire or sign someone with a record of deplorable behaviour. That fear is because I know there are certain things that will test my loyalty... and some that would end it.
If the Leafs ever hired Joel Quenneville... I would be done.
If they ever signed one of the players involved in the sexual assaults that have come to light.... I would be done.
If anyone in the Leafs organization conducted themselves in this manner and the Leafs failed to cut ties with them... I would be done.
My loyalty for a sports franchise never comes at the cost of abandoning my own moral principals or respect for other people.
Thankfully I trust the Leafs current management as they have conducted themselves with integrity in recent years. I have walked away from the Leafs in the past (Harold Ballard for example) and there was an incident recently where a goaltender in our minor league affiliate sexually assaulted a girl... he was immediately cut from the organization and all ties were severed. The Leafs did this quietly and respectfully to protect the identity of the woman. The reason you don't hear about them is because Toronto management has always dealt with them swiftly and appropriately.