Is This What Pens Fans have Become?
by LauraZ on Jan 12, 2012 11:44 AM EST
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PrintI remember a time when all Pittsburgh Penguins fans surrendered their souls to defending Sidney Crosby from the woeful haters of the hockey world. He could do no wrong, mainly because he didn't in the things that mattered most: his play on the ice, his attitude toward the media and fans and his dedication to the community. Since his drafting into the Pittsburgh sports family, Crosby has been everything and then some.
For those who don't want to believe it, I urge you to look up into the rafters of Consol Energy Center. His name is forever emblazoned on MVP and scoring title banners alongside Mario Lemieux's and Jaromir Jagr's name. A third Stanley Cup banner also hangs there because of his leadership. Also keep in mind how many lives Crosby has changed through his generous donations to the Little Penguins Learn to Play Hockey program and how he has reopened Pittsburgh to the sport of hockey. The number of Western Pennsylvania-area kids selected in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft is a testament to this.
Crosby rapidly became Pittsburgh's treasure. Especially during a time when a certain quarterback was making the headlines in all the wrong ways, Pittsburgh flaunted Crosby like King Louis XIV flaunted his riches. This came at a price, but it was one the franchise and fan base were willing to pay.
But now, everything seems to be changing.
It's amazing seeing the difference in behavior from the fans during Crosby's first time concussed to this second time dealing with some lingering symptoms. At first, fans were worried but hopeful that he would return back to his normal ways. This was emphasized when Crosby spoke to the media with Dr. Mickey Collins and Dr. Ted Carrick, both reassuring that Crosby would make a full recovery and return to the NHL.
And when he did return, it was sweeter than anything I could imagine. But everything quickly turned sour when he was back on the injured list after playing only eight games.
The Pens have remained tight-lipped when speaking about Crosby. Understandable, especially since most teams prefer to not divulge too much information about their injured players, especially star players. However, the time came when questions needed to be answered but none were coming. Fans became restless and started speculating. Before long, a very supportive fan base turned against each other.
I have noticed lately the increasing number of fans who think Crosby is being a baby throughout this ordeal. "He's faking [the concussion]," I would see. At first, I assumed the comments came from fans of rival teams who wanted to inflict more grief on fans already suffering enough. However, I now see it coming from Pens fans and I couldn't be more stunned and disappointed.
By no means do I know what is going on, but I can infer what many of us already know but refuse to acknowledge. Sidney Crosby is hockey. This is what he does, what he's good at. This is the player who, during his injured time last season, would wear headphones in the press box during games and watch game tapes between periods. The one who played on a broken foot during the 2007 playoffs. The player who sacrificed everything for the sport he loved. Every Pens fan knows this about Crosby; we've all witnessed this overwhelming obsession.
But suddenly, Crosby is "faking this concussion" and "being too much of a baby about the injury and instead, should man up and play since the Pens are obviously hurting without him."
Right, because Crosby has clearly demonstrated this behavior. Maybe it was sometime between interviews about his stringent off-season habits to ensure top-notch performance and watching the way he pushes his linemates to be better than they are? With no evidence, this accusation is as accurate as the Geocentric Theory.
I'm appalled to see so many people allow their emotions to totally take over their logic. I understand this is an emotional time with the six-game losing streak and uncertainty of Crosby's status, but this is getting a little ridiculous. How can anyone honestly say Crosby is faking anything after seeing his comeback game on Nov. 21st? That rush when Crosby netted his first goal and the ensuing celebration is proof that Crosby was finally back where he belonged and all of the stress and pain he endured completely exploded in front of us. The moment was raw and perfect because the emotion from a usually emotionless Crosby was so real. But now how many of those fans who once held the "SID" signs at that game, thanking God that we are so lucky to have the greatest player on the planet, have become the conspirators totally disregarding everything Crosby has been for this city and organization?
Is this what we've become as fans? Have we lost that much faith and patience in our captain?
Some of you may or may not know about my affinity for The Lord of the Rings and the last few days reminded me of a scene between Legolas and Aragorn in The Two Towers. Legolas, who questioned the purpose of 300 men fighting 10,000 Uruk-hai, found Aragorn minutes before the Battle of Helm's Deep and said: "You have led us this far, you have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."
Sidney Crosby has led us this far in his tenure and he has not given us a reason to doubt his love of hockey and the integrity with which he plays his game. When he is ready to return, he will. End of story. Returning too soon from a concussion could result in death and I don't think many fans seem to understand that nor do they seem to remember what happened to Eric Lindros or Marc Savard. As fans, we need to show him our support, not spew random hate that comes from selfish desires to see the Pens succeed. We aren't in this situation if the Pens were on a six-game winning streak.
Pens fans, Crosby hasn't turned his back on the Penguins or Pittsburgh. He has sacrificed, sometimes to his annoyance and frustration, everything for us. So why are we turning our backs on him at a time when he needs us the most?
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Great stuff Laura. I said on Twitter today that if the Pens had just won 6 straight, no one would be calling out Sid. I can understand frustration, but accusing Crosby of not wanting to play is very sad. People saying he’s faking or whatever a) don’t know him at all and b) have never had a concussion.
It’s tough to see him out, but I don’t think there’s many players with the drive Sid has. Does anyone ever wonder how hard this is on him?? 24 years old and has to think about life without hockey, something he has given his entire life to?
Craziness out there. Comon fans.
Twitter @marcy8771
I’m appalled to see so many people allow their emotions to totally take over their logic.
Sadly this is the problem with life and the human race in general.
"Let the Rabbits wear glasses"
by tehchico on Jan 12, 2012 12:01 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Pittsburgh flaunted Crosby like King Louis XIV flaunted his riches
What a reference, haha. Classiest blog ever?
"You come at the King, you best not miss."
So why are we turning our backs on him at a time when he needs us the most?
I think a lot of it is information based. From what we know, his own teammates haven’t even been kept in the loop of how Sid feels, what he can/can’t do and why he can’t play if he can be around the team and exercise a little.
Hopefully when he talks tomorrow a lot is answered. I’m sure no one is more frustrated and unhappy about not being able to play than Sid is himself, but I think he does owe it to the fans and his teammates to communicate where he’s at, what the issue is, what his plans/hopes are, etc.
"You come at the King, you best not miss."
Definitely, something needs to be said even to simply set the story straight. Based on Rossi’s interview this morning, the reason why there hasn’t been much talk from Crosby/Penguins camp is because they had no clue what was going on. Seems like they might now which could be why Crosby is slated to speak tomorrow and Shero some time today.
"The pen's in your hand." - Disco Dan
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THANKS EVERYONE!
This is what happens when you casually log onto Twitter at 1am.
"The pen's in your hand." - Disco Dan
Twitter
Great article.
As a Twins fan I watched the exact same thing play out with Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer this season. I have no doubt in my mind that Sid would rather being out there helping his team than sitting in the press box just as I felt that Mauer and Morneau would rather be in the field. When a team is doing well everything is good but when a team is struggling someone has to be the scapegoat. In Pittsburgh it appears to be Sid and that’s unfortunate.
"Somebody once asked me if I ever went up to the plate trying to hit a home run. I said, 'Sure, every time." --Mickey Mantle
Crosby is injured
Why is this so difficult to understand?
I recall hearing two fine young men talking about a wimp professional football player. My first thought: There are no wimps in pro football. My second thought: The world has far too many shitheads.
s.zielinski
I don’t live in Pittsburgh so I rely on the Internet for all of my news. With that said, I really haven’t heard much complaints about Crosby being out. Where are these coming from? I would think most normal hockey fans would understand concussions are not as easy as other physical injuries.
I will say that I am shocked to see how quick NFL players recover from their concussions and are back on the field. Maybe some people are used to those quick recoveries? Obviously, Crosby is different because he had two concussions very close together.
i hope this isn't what Pens fans have become
Everyone’s frustrated by the losing streak, and more to the point, when the team lifted the Cup in June 2009, I don’t think anyone would’ve imagined that a team so young would be held back from future Cup runs by, of all things, crippling injuries. In other words, I think Pens fans are just sick of seeing the team with so many key players on the shelf.
It’s also the case that, in the words of either Charles Barkley or Dennis Rodman (I forget who said it), sports fans are some of the biggest a**holes on earth. When Malkin struggled through an injury-plagued 2009-10 season, a non-negligible portion of the fan base wanted to trade him. In other words, “we know you’ve had two straight 100-point seasons, won a scoring title, and you’re the reigning Conn Smythe winner. But what have you done for us lately?” This is something similar. “We know you’re the most talented player in a generation, we know you’ve won a scoring title, a Richard trophy, and a Hart trophy. And we know you captained our team to a Cup. But what have you done for us lately?”
Sid will play when he’s ready.
P is for Latrobe.
by holiday park on Jan 12, 2012 1:52 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Being a fan involves taking the good with the bad. Unfortunately this escapes most people. . Personally, I wish all the injured a speedy recovery, and only wish for the healthy to do their best (even if they lose, it’s less painful when there is good effort applied). The hysterical cries for trades, updates from Crosby (not sure how hearing that he’s still feeling crappy will make anyone feel better…or why they think they are owed this information) etc…is almost amusing.
What if we nos 87 and 58 are cleared to play next week- boy won’t the hysteria look crazy! We can’t know what the future holds, we can only live in the present, and hope for the best…but you know, that’s easier said than done right?
Agree with the majority of the article. But the fact is that concussion is a poorly understood disorder. I have no proof, but I’m certain that pro players in hockey played “thru” concussions over the years, before this “newly found knowledge” in the post Crosby era. I know that many of those players are alive and well today, finished their careers and have no noticeable brain damage. The recent fear of degenrative brain disease (another poorly understood disease), has created the present climate. The ex NHL’ers that died by suicide and had their brains examined, and diagnosed with this conditions all had issues of drug abuse, alcohol plus fighting. Alcohol and drugs are an important factor for Degenaritive Brain Disease, and can be confused or have a crossover with traumatic encephalopathy.
However certain groups of scientists are conveniently ignoring this crossover. Therefore creating a climate of fear specially in the NHL. There isn’t a single case of a player who died because of returning “too early” whatever that timeline may be Laura. The problem with Sid, I think is that he has been repeteadly told by everyone not to play unless he feels 100%.. I don’t know what symptoms he has or weather it is or not related to his concussion, in the judgment of the doctors that advise him. I have heard almost every player, that it is impossible to feel 100% during the season. Hopefully Sid will clarify this. The Pens have been forced to let Sid be in command, by default. Meaning Shero cannot make any moves, because he doesn’t know what Sid is going to do. Again with all this loose association of brain problems , and the lack of exact science in the matter I’m afraid it’s going to be a never ending story from now on thru the NHL.
The Hockey Dr.
I’m disgusted that there are people who would be so casual with another human being’s life. I don’t know Sidney Crosby, but I know this: He gets paid a hell of a lot of money to do something he loves so much that it’s contagious, something many children dream about, something he’s brilliant at. I just can’t see him or any other NHL player in his situation malingering. Nor do I think the Pittsburgh Penguins organization would permit him, Kris Letang (though that name hasn’t really come up—crazy) or any other player to malinger, especially not given the injury situation and this losing streak. To put it in the coldest, starkest terrms possible, Crosby is one of the Penguins’ biggest assets. People who would shudder at the thought of letting a pipe leak go in their house or driving their car on flat tires think it’s okay to ask a 24-year-old to risk his long-term life and career for “their” team’s short-term gain…and that’s assuming Crosby would actually be able to contribute at this point! If he couldn’t, the same “fans” rushing him would turn on him anew. So why not let him heal?
There are more important things than playoffs and Cups. I’d love to see the Penguins win another Cup; I’d hate to see them miss the playoffs. But if you think you have the right to ask another human being to risk his long-term health just so you can enjoy watching a game, you are no better than the ancient Romans who flocked into the Coliseum to watch an unwilling gladiator get ripped up by a lion.
"This would have been a goal if it went in."--Paul Steigerwald, 2/10/11
I don’t question Crosby’s desire or the fact that he’s injured. In fact, if Sid decided to walk away right now for health reasons, I wouldn’t question that, either. He doesn’t owe anyone anything other than what his contract says he does. He’s accomplished more in a few short years (Stanley Cup, league MVP, gold medal, etc.) than most players do in a 20-year career. As a season ticket holder, I marvel at his abilities, and have mentioned more than once that he is worth the price of admission. It’s an honor and a privilege to watch him play!
What I do question, however, is the secrecy. Mark Madden said on his show yesterday that he asked Dan Bylsma two questions after the Ottawa game, and he skated around the answers: 1) Has Sid been medically cleared to play? 2) What are the results of his most recent imPACT test? Both reasonable questions… and both Pens mgmt. and Sid’s camp steadfastly refuse to provide answers to these questions. People care. People want to know. Again, these are reasonable questions… not eyes only classified information.
I don’t think anyone expects Sid to go out there and play injured. I know I don’t. I’ve suffered a major concussion and broken orbit/jaw… and I know that you’re never the same after that kind of head trauma. If he’s not able to go, shut him down for the rest of the year. Allow Shero to use the LTIR cap relief to go out and make some deals and make the current team better.
Exactly right. That is the issue with the majority of the fans. Most of us respect Sid’s decisions. But nobody has been clear about Sid’s status. Not the Pens, not Sid.
The Hockey Dr.
It sounds like no one has been clear about Sid’s status because not even Sid and and Pens know why some of this is happening. Rossi was on the Pens radio show and it sounds like they haven’t had answers till recently. Could be why they’ve been so silent.
"The pen's in your hand." - Disco Dan
Twitter
Rossi, said that they knew he wasn’t clear to play. But nobody else knew that. So as usual their has been a lack of transparency. I myself accept that Crosby may or may not play. But he needs to say so, and the team needs to know and make it public.
The Hockey Dr.
Of course he wasn’t cleared to play, he has only been doing light workouts off the ice. Shelly Anderson reported it a few days ago. But what I mean is they don’t understand the mystery behind this concussion.
"The pen's in your hand." - Disco Dan
Twitter
The mystery, is the concussion itself. Because nobody wants to ‘take any chances" with Sid. Including Sid himself, if he is not feeling 100% he won’t play. So the Pens should be able to say he’ll not play or practice well in advance. Blysma was asked a few days ago weather Sid was medically cleared to play, and his answer was that he did not know.
The Hockey Dr.
Pittsburgh is a crazy emotional sports town in general, for better or worse. I am surprised there aren’t any “the sky is falling” posts today with the losing streak extending.
The stretch of games we are on now would be difficult even with a completely healthy roster. We just need to work in as many points as we can through the end of February then start playing our best hockey down the stretch with the players we have. Come playoff time we are overdue for some timely goal scoring and goal tending to pair up well in close playoff games.
I totally agree with you Laura that Sid will return as soon as he possibly can.
Sid
While I understand the sentiment behind this piece, it smacks to me of a bit of an overreaction. I also understand why — the author himself likely feels some guilt for thinking some of the things he has secretly thought about the Sid situation. I believe that is totally normal. However, those “fans” questioning Sid’s integrity may also want to do a little self-examination. Are they really “fans?” Personally, as a Pens fan since the early 70s, not only do I adamantly believe “In Shero We Trust” (and obviously In Mario We Trust," but I also believe “In Sid We Trust.” The rest is just white noise and goes along with the anxiety all Pens fans (and Pens I am sure) are feeling. Let the cards fall where they may, but never distrust Sid, the epitome of hockey.
If it’s simply among the fans, then this isn’t an issue. What makes it an issue is how it has expanded to the point where the media has had to make comments on it. There have also been rumors spreading as well. That’s why I wanted to put my two cents out there. In the piece, I specifically address Pens fans, but there are many more who have been talking about this.
"The pen's in your hand." - Disco Dan
Twitter
Too far the other way?
We all saw the 24/7 episode after the Winter Classic where Sid talks about being disoriented and not knowing where he was after the hit by schmeckle, it makes the fact he was playing the next game vs. TB all the more appalling…
In hindsight it seems clear he should have been sat after the WC, I also believe that because the organization (or Sid himself) realizes he rushed back into action they are being cautious now to the other extreme.
I certainly don’t think Sid is faking anything, anyone who believes he is sitting out because he doesn’t want to play and just wants to collect paychecks is a fool or worse. Only Sid knows how he feels whether it’s physical or mental reasons behind his return to the IR. I fear tomorrow will be an announcement that he’s calling the season, I hope not, but I’ve come to expect the worst and its better to get the guy back at age 25 or 26 full speed than to have him in and out of the lineup on a regular basis and retiring at 30.
At the end of the day the Penguins still have a good team, not playing like it lately, and they need to get their shit together, what we do need is clarity on the Crosby situation, if he’s coming back, GREAT, if not, go on the LTIR and free up the cap space and come back at 100% whenever. You don’t just replace a guy like Crosby, when he’s healthy he’s the best in the World, the key word is healthy, get back there Sid! GPG
GREAT, if not, go on the LTIR and free up the cap space and come back at 100% whenever
That’s exactly the point. Nobody seems to know what the plan is. And I ‘m not as optimistic about the team as Shero is, they don’t look like a playoff team right now. If they happen to make the playoffs will be an early exit. Simple reason 60-70% of the scoring is not playing at the moment.
The Hockey Dr.
Clarity is the one thing that can’t be had in this situation. Putting him on LTIR works only if he doesn’t get cleared to come back, but this is an unknow-able quantity.
Say the Pens went out and signed a scoring machine and come March, no. 87 is 100%. I doubt there is an available player that the team would prefer to have on the ice instead of Crosby.
Take all of the emotion out of it.
You don’t win Stanley Cups with blind loyalty, you win them with results. You can’t protect Sid because of Cup, MVP and Ross banners. We soundly boo Jagr who has contributed more of all 3 to this team.
The “reality” is Crosby counts $8.7 million against the salary cap. We have gotten 10 games in the last calendar year out of 1/7th of our cap. No team can survive that. He has been able to subside his symptoms long enough to cash his paycheck.
The other “reality” is Crosby wears the C and is the leader of this hockey club, yet when he is hurt he is nowhere around the team. You are much more likely to see Tie Domi in Mario’s box at a game than Sid. What we have seen thus far this season, and most dramatically the last 6 games, is lackluster effort and poor on ice leadership. Where is the Captain? Something needs to give
by masterchiefnavy on Jan 12, 2012 11:15 PM EST reply actions
Really?
First, when Sid has been absent all signs point to the reason being that he can’t hardly keep his eyes open in the face of motion. Perhaps we should give a guy who is experiencing significant concussion symptoms a bit of a break.
Second, we simply don’t know how much Sid has been around the team. Last year there were plenty of stories of him attending video sessions and the like, when he was able to tolerate the noise and video, etcetera. On days when he couldn’t do much of anything at all, he would still show up in the locker room just to be around the guys — for their sake and for his own.
Third, while we also don’t know how many games he has attended, we do know that he has watched many from the press box and from behind the scenes. Mario’s box just isn’t the only place to watch the game.
Fourth, he doesn’t count $8.7 million against the cap when he’s on LTIR.
Fifth: what are you suggesting here? That we get rid of Sid because he’s unable to play right now? I really can’t tell if that’s what you’re after, but it seems to be your general sentiment. That would be a massive error involving sacrificing the long term for the sake of the short term. For a lesser player maybe that would be appropriate. But not with a player of Sid’s calibre.
Jagr? I don't even know 'er.
by PopRocks on Jan 12, 2012 11:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Still too much emotion.
There is no sacrificing the long term for the sake of the short term because Sid is currently not a player of his former caliber. He recovered for 10 months, played 8 games and then bowed out to relatively no contact to the head that anyone can discern. That is a problem. If he comes back again later this season and leaves after another short stay what do you say then? He is not the same player, never will be again and he is hurting this organization by his absence and lack of leadership. It’s time to start preparing to find an exit strategy for Sid. A second line of 3 solid $3 million dollar forwards is more productive than a Captain not with his team. As this lingers and draws out because we want to be “tolerant” of his symptoms it is a complete distraction for the team. You can hear it in comments from everyone, especially Brooks Orpik. All the while we are proving all of the Sidney haters right, he is the next Lindros and if we don’t consider other options he will drag this organization down with him.
by masterchiefnavy on Jan 13, 2012 6:11 AM EST up reply actions
Salary Cap
With regard to Sid’s $8.7 cap hit. He may not count against the cap directly while on LTIR but he might as well. The wallet of Mario Lemieux is thicker than it had been in the past but it’s not unlimited. The Penguins do not have the funds to just go out and purchase more talent.
Also, while Sid continues to linger in the shadows with the promise of return they are reluctant to spend ANY money because what would you do when Sid returns to the roster? And when might that be?
This scenario will slowly, but eventually grind down the Penguins organization if they do not approach it like the business that it is. This is not youth soccer where everyone gets to play and Sid gets an orange after the game like everyone else, it’s the NHL.
by masterchiefnavy on Jan 13, 2012 7:02 AM EST up reply actions
My main problem with everything you are saying is that we (i.e. You and I) just don’t have enough information to draw any conclusions.
Also, re. money: contracts are usually insured so that when a player like Sid goes down the team doesn’t end up having to pay all kinds of extra and unexpected money in replacement.
In addition, there was mention on NHL Live yesterday that Shero has actually been quite aggressive over the last month, looking to bring in some new pieces. Making a change to bring in high-quality players is tricky for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that teams still in the playoff hunt don’t want to let them go.
As far as I can tell, the team is in fact seeking to move forward with or without Sid in the lineup, all the while confident that he will return. Of course no one can say for sure, but in my opinion it is ridiculous for us, on the outside, to jump to conclusions about Sid’s long term viability given how little real information we have about his problems and his prognosis.
Jagr? I don't even know 'er.
by PopRocks on Jan 13, 2012 2:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Rec'd
That’s all what I have to say about that post. And the Pens fans who are saying that Sid is faking it are not real fans at all and should be ashamed for saying it.
That is all.
Ovechkin-Leich-Semin: The greatest line in hockey..............................Tee Hee
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by Bradley James McEachern on Jan 14, 2012 6:37 PM EST reply actions
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