NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – June 3, 2020
More NHL players speak out against racial injustice, the latest on the league’s return-to-play format, and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines
GROWING LIST OF PLAYERS, TEAMS SPEAK OUT AGAINST RACIAL INJUSTICE
THE SCORE: Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner joined many in the sports world yesterday taking part in Blackout Tuesday on social media yesterday to bring attention to racial injustice.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (Photo via NHL Images).
Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba released a statement yesterday supporting the anti-racism movement across North America. “I’ve been sad, angry, and disturbed by the senseless unjust we have all witnessed this past week. I have been scared for the families in my community. I know I do not want to feel this way ever again; the feeling of helplessness. The feeling too many have to face each day. I am here for you. To lean on, to listen, to embrace, to have a voice and to be a leader in our community!”
WINNIPEG SUN: Jets captain Blake Wheeler vows to become more involved in speaking out against racism. “We have to be as involved in this as black athletes. It can’t just be their fight,” he said. “And I want to be real clear, here. I look in the mirror about this before I look out at everyone else. I wish that it didn’t take me this long to get behind it in a meaningful way. But I guess what you can do is try to be better going forward.”
TAMPA BAY TIMES: Lightning captain Steven Stamkos expressed compassion and support for peaceful protesters and didn’t approve of the looting and riots since George Floyd died in the custody of Minneapolis police last week. “But, as many of YOU have opened my eyes to, I see that these actions may be coming from real pain and suffering,” Stamkos wrote. “I can at least try to comprehend that.”
Teammate Patrick Maroon expressed his respect for law enforcement but also anger toward the injustice of George Floyd. Maroon added he felt he needs to set a better example. “I’m sorry and I promise to do better for you,” he finished.
NBC SPORTS WASHINGTON: Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby and his wife Brandi sent out a message of support for the Black Lives Matter movement and the protesters in Washington through Brandi’s Instagram account. Holtby’s teammate John Carlson did the same via his Instagram account.
STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals issued a joint statement yesterday speaking out against racial injustice. Blues goalie Jordan Binnington took to his Instagram account vowing to stand in solidarity with those “fighting for change, equality and justice,” encouraging his followers to “ask questions, listen, learn and pass your knowledge on to your friends.”
THE DETROIT NEWS: The Red Wings and Tigers also released a joint statement in support of “equality, justice, and respect for all.”
THE BOSTON GLOBE: The Bruins also released a statement on Tuesday. “Black lives matter,” the statement issued Tuesday begins. “Bigotry, ignorance and senseless violence in any and all forms is wrong.”
WGR550: Buffalo Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula issued a statement standing with those peacefully protesting to eradicate racism and inequality and against those motivated by hatred and violence.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s heartening to see more NHL teams and players taking a stand against racism, bigotry, injustice, and intolerance. I don’t doubt the sincerity of the words but their actions will speak much louder. Time will tell if their words result in action that leads to positive change within the sport and in society in general.
THE SCORE: Madison Square Garden Company chairman and New York Rangers owner James Dolan released a statement yesterday defending the organization’s decision not to release a public statement following the death of George Floyd. “As companies in the business of sports and entertainment, however, we are not any more qualified than anyone else to offer our opinion on social matters. What’s important is how we operate. Our companies are committed to upholding our values, which include creating a respectful workplace for all, and that will never change. What we say to each other matters. How we treat each other matters. And that’s what will get us through this difficult time.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dolan’s been criticized for his position. The NBA’s New York Knicks, also owned by Dolan, are reportedly furious that the team hasn’t released a statement. He’s since sent out a second e-mail to his employees condemning racism, but that’s unlikely to go down well with those upset over his previous comments.
LATEST NHL RETURN-TO-PLAY NEWS
THE ATHLETIC (subscription required): Pierre LeBrun reports we could learn as early as today if the first two rounds of the NHL’s 16-team playoffs will be best-of-five or best-of-seven. The league proposed best-of-five for expediency while the NHLPA has leaned toward best-of-seven. The play-in qualifying round will be best-of-five.
LOS ANGELES TIMES: The pros and cons of the 10 cities under consideration to become the two hubs for the NHL’s return-to-play tournament.
TSN: Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said it would be great to have NHL games played in Canada, but ensuring everyone’s safety remains the priority as discussions continue about its return. Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver are among 10 cities under consideration to become one of the two NHL hubs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There won’t be any NHL hockey this summer unless the Canadian government eases restrictions on non-essential border travel or deems NHL employees as essential workers.
NATIONAL POST: A recent survey indicates 47 percent of Canadians felt it’s not important that Canadian arenas host the NHL’s return-to-play tournament.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The survey also suggested the fact fans won’t be in attendance for those games factored into the result.
IN OTHER NEWS…
THE NEWS & OBSERVER: Carolina Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov will donate “2,500 disposable masks and 25 containers of hand sanitizer (5.25 gallons each) to the Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake County on Wednesday.”
SPORTSNET: The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) announced its intention to play a full 68-game schedule for 2020-21 with a certain percentage of fans in attendance, depending on the local social distancing rule in each province.
I’d like to recommend Bob McKenzie’s column at TSN.ca – On Speaking out, Listening and The Need for Reform.
It is excellent.
I did read that BCLeafFan, and it is good. He is still the best columnist in hockey IMO.
Yesterday folks were debating how it is systematic racism or bias in the justice system, and someone asked another poster to explain it.
The link is US Justice Department’s report on that exact issue in Ferguson from 2015. You don’t have to read all 104 pages to get an understanding, but some of the examples are really an eye opener. And they back it up with data and facts.
Please read the report summary. It is only 6 pages.
Inform yourself and your opinions. Then try and put yourself in their shoes. I can’t think of a more important document to read during these times.
If you can’t take 15 minutes to do that, and still want make opinions on this subject… that is up to you.
https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/opa/press-releases/attachments/2015/03/04/ferguson_police_department_report.pdf
Brown was trying to wrestle a gun from a police officer at the time of his shooting.
If someone were trying to disarm you during an altercation, what would you do? Realistically.
I can’t remember if it was you that posted a list of names yesterday. But what always gets lost in the shuffle is that almost every single time this happens … a crime was being committed and or someone was not complying.
Castile is another case…
Told NOT to reach 3-4-5 times prior to being gunned down. Comply for the love of god!!!
I’ve told both my sons. Hands on the wheel if and when you’re pulled over. Don’t reach for the glove compartment, pocket , seat Wallet etc without clearly telling the officer what you’re doing and if it’s okay.
“Hey, my license is in the glove compartment, is it okay if I ….”
Worry about your rights in court. Cops get shot for simple traffic stops all the time. They don’t know you or if you’re reaching for your wallet or a .45.
Comply for Christ’s sake! Better to give up your rights for a few minutes than to get a sunroof in the back of your head!
It isn’t just about what happens after people are stopped/pulled over, I would get tired of being pulled over and complying over and over when I did nothing wrong wouldn’t you? White privilege is alive and it needs to stop!
I posted the list, Brown wasn’t on it, I simply started at Garner. 2 of them a minor crime/misdemeanor was being committed, most were not any crime or offence. Garner was selling loose cigs, seems like a fine would be appropriate. He’s dead. Seems just a tad harsh IMO. 12 yr old kid with a toy gun? Dead.
Guy with his wife and 4 yr old daughter driving, no crime? Dead. Guy down walking in his own neighbor hood a crime committed by somebody else, shot dead when he runs to his own yard. 20 shots.
Zero officers convicted of a crime in any instance. Why? That’s the point I was making, trying point out the difference in the example of the black officer killing the white victim. He was convicted of murder. As he should have been.
Yes comply, obviously. The issue with Brown was that he ran after the incident when the officer was in his car. Witnesses said he put his hands up. Officer said he came at him. They said vs he said, they believed the officer. I wasn’t their so can’t comment either way.
This post was about the systematic treatment of some folks by the Ferguson justice system, because that was brought up yesterday. You asked what systematic bias/racism there is. I provided a report that lays it out, in detail.
Let me know what you think after you read it, it has nothing to do with the shooting, it isn’t about that. It only takes 15 minutes for the summary.
BBB,
Philando Castile Was pulled over for a taillight that wasn’t working. Just like I would be (and have in the past) or you would be. Is there any evidence of him being wrongfully accused or pulled over prior? Or is that an assumption?
Even if it is the case … comply. Go to court and file a grievance. Don’t comply and that’s what is going to happen . White , black, male female.
I ALWAYS have a firearm on my person or in my vehicle. Usually 2. Sometimes even more than that….
I’ve been pulled over twice in the last 5-7 years. I don’t HAVE to tell the officer 💩. But I have offered the information. I start with ,(my hands on the wheel 11 and 1 o’clock) I have a concealed weapons permit (because this at least suggests I’m not a felon, criminal and I have been vetted to carry) and follow with information of where the firearm / firearms are and that they’re loaded. I’ll even offer them to open my door and let me out of that makes them feel safer.
Again I don’t have to offer up ANY of that information or actions at all. However to make sure everyone goes home alive and feels safe… I do.
Rights be damned!
If I ever feel my rights are being violated, I can take that up at a later time… unless of course I’m dead.
You’re still going by the cases in the news, black people get pulled over ALL the time for nothing or the cop makes something up! If I had to have a concealed gun on me to make me feel safe I would move! I think the main point everyone is making you have to look at it from the minorities point of view to really understand what they’re going through. Since they were brought into to slavery they have not been giving a fair chance to succeed…….that’s a fact
BBB,
Where are you getting the information that black people are pulled over all the time for no reason.
Do you have a source of statistics, or is it your gut feeling?
Where is your proof they aren’t?
Lol BBB.
That’s not how the burden of proof works.
You have to have stats , or some sort of data to back up your claim.
Poor neighborhoods breed crime. Criminals get arrested.
Usually by cops. Sometimes the cops are the ones that don’t go home .
How many cops FBI agents have been shot , killed run over in the last 7 days?
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/inside-100-million-police-traffic-stops-new-evidence-racial-bias-n980556
Here prove it wrong
You note that the play-in round in is best of seven. I was sure it was a best of five.
That’s correct, thanks for pointing that out, I’ve amended it.
I remember when Robin Williams once said “ Canada is Like a beautiful apartment Above a meth lab “ maybe the recent events were the spark that blew it up and now there won’t be as much racial injustice! Let’s hope
A 12 year-old kid shot dead does sound harsh. A cop has very little time to react. He doesn’t have time to evaluate whether that firearm is real or fake.
I don’t think a 12 yo in this country having a firearm would be that hard to believe…. stupid yes. But not every gun owner is a responsible owner.
I don’t know the specifics of this case. But if someone is brandishing a weapon or pointing it at me … male , female , child and I’m armed and they have a real gun fake gun…. I’m not going to wait and see. If it looks like a gun and I think one of us isn’t going home that night…. sorry about your luck. You don’t have 10 seconds to evaluate whether the gun is real or fake. 12 years old should know NOT to put themselves in that situation. The age of reason is 7. By 12 you should know better no question.
Again, I’m not familiar with this particular case. But something tells me I’m at least warm.
That case was more of a trigger happy police officer, you take cover behind your vehicle and talk first before even thinking about drawing a weapon on a 12 year old
Actually bbb, I literally just read this case in it’s entirety. This incident took place in a park… taking shelter behind a vehicle wasn’t an option.
This kid was waiving and pointing this toy gun at people passing by…..
This kid when told NUMEROUS times to “show me your hands” chose to instead draw the gun….
The kid made a bad decision. A fatal decision. And payed the price.
You don’t have time to evaluate . It literally takes less than 1 second to draw and pull the trigger of any semi automatic pistol. Less than one second to decide if you end a life , or your life is ended.
The hide behind the vehicle approach is beyond ridiculous in many ways.
#1 a police car or isn’t bullet proof.
#2 other people were around …. basically you’re choosing to put their lives in danger?
#3 military, police training, weapons training, concealed weapons class …. none of which are going to tell you to wait…. what next the old Biden “shoot em on the leg tactic”?
Center mass.
A surveillance video without audio of the shooting was released by police on November 26 after pressure from the public and Rice’s family.[18] It showed Rice pacing around the park, occasionally extending his right arm. The video briefly shows Rice talking on a cellphone, and sitting at a picnic table in a gazebo. A patrol car moves at high speed across the park lawn and then stops abruptly by the gazebo. Rice reaches for his waist band before Loehmann jumps out of the car and immediately shoots Rice from a distance of less than 10 feet (3.0 m).[24][25][30] According to Judge Ronald B. Adrine in a judgement entry on the case “this court is still thunderstruck by how quickly this event turned deadly…. On the video the zone car containing Patrol Officers Loehmann and Garmback is still in the process of stopping when Rice is shot.”[13]
In a memo to Independence’s human resources manager, released by the city in the aftermath of the shooting, Independence deputy police chief Jim Polak wrote that Loehmann had resigned rather than face certain termination due to the concern that he lacked the emotional stability to be a police officer. Polak said that Loehmann was unable to follow “basic functions as instructed” and specifically cited a “dangerous loss of composure” that occurred in a weapons training exercise. Polak said that Loehmann’s weapons handling was “dismal” and he became visibly “distracted and weepy” as a result of relationship problems. The memo concluded, “Individually, these events would not be considered major situations, but when taken together they show a pattern of a lack of maturity, indiscretion and not following instructions, I do not believe time, nor training, will be able to change or correct these deficiencies.”
Ray bark,
“Several months later the prosecution presented evidence to a grand jury, which declined to indict, primarily on the basis that Rice was drawing what appears to be an actual firearm from his waist as the police arrived”
You skipped that part
I copied and pasted. Didn’t skip anything. But ya, it just says he raises his arm. Not accurate, he was pointing the toy gun around. The police who shot him didn’t see that either, and the caller who reported said twice it was likely a toy and that he was a kid. The toy gun part wasn’t communicated to the officers.
Why I think the officers need to be held accountable is the speed it happened.
Here is a shorter link to the video, skips 10 minutes of him pissing around same as the beginning. No effort to diffuse or even communicate from a distance. Pull up and shoot before the car even stops. Is that really how they should approach this situation?
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2014/nov/26/cleveland-video-tamir-rice-shooting-police
Ray bark.,
Ideally, yes … it would be great if things could get diffused without loss of life. Especially a child’s life
But again, when you think someone is drawing down on you , you have a fraction of a second to make that decision.
Comply. I can’t stress that enough!
It’s too easy to read a story and, and come up with better solutions having thought and time behind your decision of what you’d do.
A police officer doesn’t have that luxury. They have a gun in the face or possibly a gun in the face.
These guys get shot all the time in routine traffic stops.
I don’t know many people who don’t own a firearm or multiple firearms. It’s a way of life here. I don’t know ONE that ever wants to HAVE to use one …. even in self defense.
But again, if it means them going home or me…. I’m choosing me 100 times out of 100.
Ya, the gun thing is another debate. I used to own a hunting rifle, sold it as I don’t like the taste of deer. Many friends still hunt.
I know 1 person who owns a gun because they are worried about something happening to them.
He shot the kid before the gun was even out of his waistband. Never even tried to resolve another way. This isn’t some minor procedure violation, they ripped up and shot him before they even knew if he was a threat. This wasn’t a split decision, they made it on the way there to proceed as they did. The decision to shoot? His gun had to have been out and ready to go to fire that fast.
Is it premeditaded murder? No, but a 12 yr old kid is dead. When you are allowed to enforce the law and have the responsibility to carry and use a gun, there has to be consequences for that.
Again a 12 yr old kid is dead, this isn’t just an unfortunate incident.
Did you even watch the video, because I am having a hard time getting your logic.
I did not watch the video. I read the article and the outcome.
He reached for it , and was told to show how hands . Again… easy to make up better solutions when you aren’t staring death in the face.
Has anyone ever pulled a gun on you ant legitimately threatened your life? Ever?
You’re taught to “eliminate the threat “ center mass unload. It’s very clear.
Did you read the article I posted? Look at the statistics. Look how more likely it is for a cop to get shot , than a cop gunning down An African American. Stats. Not opinion.
Thx for the video ray I remembered thinking wow when it happened, there was definitely better options than to pull up and open fire
https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2017/08/11/sc-officer-shot-glasses-camera-orig-vstop.cnn
That quickly things go bad. This wouldn’t make too many headlines. It was a black suspect and a black cop… who’s life I guess doesn’t matter?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wsj.com/amp/articles/the-myth-of-systemic-police-racism-11591119883
Ya I read that this AM too NYR. I subscribe to both the WSJ and NYT. I am probably rare in that regard.
I get her point and agree with most of it, but it was narrow in what it focused on. Fair enough, but the headline is misleading because of that.
I think you and I agree on much of this, but disagree on some others.
My issue is about 2 things –
1- accountability for the officers in question. It has been seriously lacking. I think that is what upsets most of the folks.
2 – And if you ever read the Ferguson report it is a problem how that city is policed. Same is true for how many black communities are policed vs white communities with regards to many issues like drugs and basic enforcement. The numbers are hard to dispute. It takes a toll, and breeds a culture and the relationship between police and the black community is fear and a lack of trust in both directions. People in positions of power own the majority of that problem, because they have the power.
You don’t seem to acknowledge those issues for whatever reason.
Safe to say we have beat this topic to death for 3 days.
Why don’t you give it a rest. We know what you are.
Shorepark,
I’m keeping things civil with Raybark and BBB….
If you don’t like it, move on .
This is relevant to the topic of discussion!. You don’t like that…. email Lyle.
I’ll do as I please, and I call em like I see em.
You’re being civil, for sure.
Your hole is getting larger and larger though.
Lol. I’ll do what I please but I’ll cry when you post? Lmfao.
You’re a tool. Go home and get you jammies on . Time for bed.
All this because you got butt hurt over an opinion of Price? Lmfao. Time for mommy to disconnect your internet! You obviously can’t handle it!
Lol. Calling names again, hey?
Thats all you have?
Several posters have already attempted to correct your ignorant and ugly views, but you keep firing back the B.S.
People like you are the problem.
Go on, keep justifying your blatent racism.
I don’t care about the Carey Price debate because it’s irrelevant……but I can see you’re still holding on to what ever little bit of spite and resentment with someone disagreeing with you as you can though.
Lol. Classic little man syndrome.
Cute as a racist button, you are.
I haven’t said one single thing that justifies racism. However I won’t be a sheep lead around by the media and Antifa and a select group that loves to leave facts out of these type of headline catchers..
How many times do I have to say…. the cop was 100% wrong…. the video shows that. WHERE IS ANY PROOF whatsoever that this was a crime motivated by race? WHERE?
Say it or shut up and move on.
ONE valid point. ONE!!!! That shows actual evidence of racism here. ONE!!!!!!
Besides “a white cop killed a black man”
Plenty of white men kill white men. Black men kill black men…. black men killing white men….vice versa!
Race is probably not even in the top 10 motives for homicide.
Shoresheep
It’s a better fit.
Too bad if you or anyone else doesn’t like my opinion! I don’t like yours ! You’re is manipulated by the media…. feeble minded ….
Can’t look at stats , data facts… sees a meme or hears words and jumps all over it.
Has the da even called this a hate crime yet? Nah….. “but I dun herd it on da cnn…rrrrrrrrrrr “Bobby Boucher voice.
Lol. Keep going. You’re almost there.
“There’s lies. There’s damn lies. And then there’s stats”.
Pathetic Racist clown.
Racist… because I won’t say this was racially motivated…. because a white man killed a black man?
Lmfao that may be the most racist statement I’ve ever seen!!!!
I asked you to give ONE way you can even point this toward racism…. you can’t .
Because nothing like that exists…. except in the media and your mind.
Bye bye!
Or should I say bahaaaaaaasss?
Well, you sure wore me down with your arguments.
How could I have been so blind for nearly 5 decades.
You’re right. There is no racism, because you yell louder than me and because you are unable to embrace a different opinion.
Must be great, you know? Never being wrong and all.
Fin
when you put your head in the sand your ass looks bigger.
Does it look sexier?
I think everyone also needs to take a deeper look into George Floyd’s criminal history.
Pretty interesting. He’s not quite the general giant painted by the media … far from it .
Not saying what happened was right. But it’s a little more understandable why a police officer took more precautions than he would with a gentle giant.
Kinda seems like your searching reasons to justify this. Even though you use caveats.
The guy was in handcuffs and sitting on the sidewalk before they killed him.
Cops aren’t judge, jury and executioner. Thankfully.
Not saying Mr. Floyd deserved anything. Nor do I think the cop shouldn’t be charged with murder / manslaughter.
But it’s funny how the media and family painted a picture of a gentle giant. A gentle giant that
“ Floyd had landed five years behind bars in 2009 for an assault and robbery two years earlier, and before that, had been convicted of charges ranging from theft with a firearm to drugs, ”
Floyd also beat a pregnant woman….. a pregnant woman!!! Gentle giant that “wouldn’t hurt anybody”?
Are you sure about all that?
It’s funny, people yesterday and days before were bringing up the cops 17. Complaints (which aren’t public record yet) and making up stories about how many people he killed before….. yet I bring up Floyd’s history and I’m reaching?
BBB,
Yes precautions! You don’t approach a gentile giant and a violent criminal the same way…. or do you?
Again. Floyd was murdered!!!!!?
But let’s not leave any facts out of one side…. while making up facts about the other.
Precautions? Come on, man.
Nyr your wasting your time I looked their are only white people in jail were wrong only black people have been wronged and I watched the riot for Tessa Majors churches were burned down and people looted and shot cops. Never said once what happened was right just that killing the very people who protect us is so terribly wrong and destroying and burning down your communities isn’t right. Protest all you want more hurt is not the answer and once in awhile it would be nice if a celebrity or athlete stood up and spoke when a 13 year old is stabbed to death on campus even if she’s white.
NYR – if you can’t accept that racial profiling exists and that black people are targeted exponentially more than whites, you should at least agree that lethal use of force is almost never warranted in the cases being discussed and others like them. Floyd was clearly subdued. The 12 year old could have been taken down with a shot to the foot and then tackled. Garner, unarmed, was choked out, plain and simple, on video, over cigarettes. So many more similar cases. Policing in this country borrows too much from military/war tactics. Shoot to kill in unarmed civilian settings is abuse of power, as is choking to death.