Keith confirms what many thought...

[southern_cross_116]

Whoever said that it is a sign of the times is right on the money, however it isn't what Keith said -but rather because of what he said.

Apparently it is a bad thing to be introspective and try to come to terms with what the hell was going on. You can't expect it to be addressed if it isn't identified first.

I don't see anything wrong with what the guy said, or has done.

 

[Savoir_Faire_18]

my boss drops me money that he gains through the services I provide for his agency....yeah....

Wow... really? That is what you are going to respond with? Did I ask if Bowman drops bills to watch Keith hit the ice? No. Fans don't make money off of Hawks success... in fact, fans fund the organization that pays the players. So as a fan I would be pissed a bit if players dogged ANY game in which I shelled out money for.

Beside that point... There are many players in the system who would be willing to provide 110%. Principle is what matters.

 

[Uman85]

There are players who would kill to be able to play professional hockey. This guy gets a new contract, more money and slacks off after winning the Stanley Cup? I've lost a lot of respect for him.

 

[X]

Wow, making excuses for athletes who have admitted to dogging it and having trouble finding motiviation. That's just great. I'm actually NOT surprised. That really does seem to be the "American Way" in today's attitude.

I've already stated that that type of attitude screws the fan who is paying way too much $$ to watch a game. It also is a big "**** you" and a horrible example to the rest of his teammates. He is supposed to be a leader and that is horrible leadership. I'm sure that can wear off on younger people, *cough Kane cough* and what kind of example is that for all of the new people on the team that didn't win it last year? When your best players are dogging it, it has a domino effect on the entire team.

I personally think it is really asinine to compare an athlete who just signed a 13 year, $72 million contract to your average joe's job. If you want to accept this as standard-quo, then I would say you are part of the problem. No offense, but that type of attutide is prevelant within union workers and it is very lazy thinking. I can think of hundreds of examples in sports where that type of attitude wouldn't be allowed. The Detroit Red Wings, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Atlanta Braves (under Bobby Cox), the Twins (under Ron Gardenhire), the New England Patriots (under Belichek), etc. etc. Notice that all of those teams are multiple winners of regular seasons and/or championships. I could name 100's of individuals, ala Michael Jordan and the rest of the all-time greats in each major sport, but that list would take days to create.

I guess the point is, if you have that attitude, ala Duncan Keith, then get used to winning one championship every 60+ years. If you want to have a team that has a chance to win it 3-6 times in a decade, you need to have a winner's attitude and put the work in, day in and day out. And there are PLENTY of examples of teams/individuals who have done that. It's sad to see that Duncan Keith, and others on this team, decided to settle for the one championship.

comparing someone who is a normal worker to an athlete making millions is stupid for 1. If i have an extra coffee or take time to play video games instead of work it costs me money.

So you think it is ok to have that attitude as a player? really? AGAIN tell that to the Lakers, Celtics, Patriots, Red Wings, Yankees.....so please it is a cop out and it is a weak minded player. period.

The biggest concern, if this pussy is admitting it, how many others on this team are the same way but are just keeping their mouths shut.

I didnt see championships stop Jordan, gretzky, zetterberg, datsyuk, rivera, posada ETC ETC ETC just stop because they won 1 title. give me a fucking break

Both of you need to calm the hell down. I never said it was okay...I just said holding them to higher standards than people you know and respect was as dumb as thinking people should give money back they've earned through contract.
I don't like the attitude, but saying "yeah he should give the money back..." come on, really? get the hell out w/ that garbage.

 

[southern_cross_116]

Some guys have off years, but there aren't too many that own up to it.

That being said, I imagine it isn't wrong to expect more either... but, I mean talk is one thing, logging half the game every night because you got guys out there playing that in a couple of cases should have been retired... it is all kind of relevant as well.

I do think Keith's comments need to be kept in the context of actual events as well as the depth chart, and overall defense positions' ice time, and not solely in Keith's own expectations of his own abilities/ performance.

He can expect all kinds of things out of himself; that doesn't necessarily make them able to have been realized. As a kid he ought to cut himself a break, and realize that he needs maybe to become mentally tougher as he matures into his career.

It is more of a marathon than it is a sprint.

At any rate too, it is still a team game.

 

[Savoir_Faire_18]

Some guys have off years, but there aren't too many that own up to it.

That being said, I imagine it isn't wrong to expect more either... but, I mean talk is one thing, logging half the game every night because you got guys out there playing that in a couple of cases should have been retired... it is all kind of relevant as well.

I do think Keith's comments need to be kept in the context of actual events as well as the depth chart, and overall defense positions' ice time, and not solely in Keith's own expectations of his own abilities/ performance.

He can expect all kinds of things out of himself; that doesn't necessarily make them able to have been realized. As a kid he ought to cut himself a break, and realize that he needs maybe to become mentally tougher as he matures into his career.

It is more of a marathon than it is a sprint.

At any rate too, it is still a team game.

While you and others make very good points... I doubt either Keith's comments or the fans receptiveness of the "owning up to it" comments would be as well received had the Stars made the playoffs instead of the Hawks.

 

[southern_cross_116]

Maybe Savvy, maybe ... the other point I was getting at is on a hockey team it is never one guy as the goat.

It is pretty easy for fans and professional newspaper columnists (cough -- Rosenberg and his Toews rant of about 3 weeks ago now -that came almost on top of his Toews gush from about 4 weeks ago), to point the finger at one guy. If a guy raises his hand and takes responsibility, then that is nice, and I suppose sort of leadership - but hockey being a team game - in my mind it has to be a lot more than one guy.

Reception is one aspect, but in looking at it dispassionately it is really just one aspect, and not the entire picture. Team depth, or lack of it contributed as much to the near run thing of it all. And one guy's acknowledgement of a brain fart - whether it was real or imagined (he sure felt it was real --- but how much of it was real? ) still can't account for the personnel issues that the team faced. So I guess, what I am saying is that Keith ought to cut himself a bit of a break. I'm sure he thought he could do better; all professional anythings always think they can do better - it is a matter of personal pride. I don't necessarily think that requires falling on a sword, so to speak... anyways - forgetting all of that... it is all sort of a moot point now.

I don't really need to point out to people that know; that Rosenberg is a bit of a flighty non-hockey person who sometimes seems to get his muse from whatever the "hot messageboards' topics of the day are). . . however not everyone seems to get that is what goes on, either.

 

[Gunzaan]

Both of you need to calm the hell down. I never said it was okay...I just said holding them to higher standards than people you know and respect was as dumb as thinking people should give money back they've earned through contract.
I don't like the attitude, but saying "yeah he should give the money back..." come on, really? get the hell out w/ that garbage.

Actually, you can get the hell out of here with your garbage if you don't think professional athletes ARE NOT held to a higher standard. They sure as **** are. This dude is going to make over $100 million in his career... playing a GAME. Obviously, I wasn't seriously saying he should give money back, because there is no way in hell he will. I was making a point.

Is it a double standard? You bet it is. That's what you sign up for when you become a professional athlete making millions of $$$$. Trying to compare their day-to-day effort with an average joe's job is just ridiculous.

And don't tell me to calm the hell down, thanks. I will be passionate about what I choose to be passionate about.