Comments on: Getting tough on the tough guys

By: John

John — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:23:26 +0000

Yikes! Some grammatical and spelling errors up there…

I meant to say “I was NOT born or raised in the US” and in the penultimate paragraph, second to last line, it should read “…has no problem engaging in behavior like that”.

Okay, I’m getting some coffee :-D

By: John

John — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:20:01 +0000

He lost as soon as he lost his temper. People who lose their cool and resort to violence may from time to time, appear to “win” but they always lose far more than they gain on the surface. In competition, a cool head is a more deadly weapon than a fast right hook. A clear mind scores more points than an aggressive spirit.

I agree with points that were made regarding other sports. Violence is not unique to hockey but certain sports have it built into their culture at a deeper level than others. I was born or raised in the US but have a very broad knowledge of sports. I love sports! I have always associated a bit of ‘rough and tumble’ and fisticuffs with hockey more so than say, American Football or Soccer.

If I were the manager of a team, be it hockey, chess, swimming, soccer or (insert sport here ___ ), I wouldn’t ever want a player like Downie on my team, IF that was a predominant component of his character make up. If that was out of character, I’d talk to him and help him out. But based on information here, it sounds as if he has no problem doing engaging in behavior like this.

You can be extremely passionate and level-headed at the same time. It’s not difficult. It takes about as much energy to engage in behavior like that as it does to lose your cool all the time.

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 13:40:34 +0000

I have coached youth baseball on and off again since 1989, and I have seen a recurring pattern: invariably there are some parents who push their children to do whatever it takes to win; they believe they are teaching the skills it takes to succeed in sports and life. Many of these same parents could be seen yelling and cursing the game officials, arguing and even fighting other parents in the stands. They have long ago lost sight of the fact that youth sports are a recreational activity and are intended to teach cooperation, sportsmanship, and build character. I would be willing to bet this guy Downie grew up with this “role model”…

By: sarah

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 23:04:36 +0000

I think you’re right. Maybe what happened with Downie says more about us as humans than it does about professional athletes. Why is it that we lose control? In pressure situation where the intensity overwhelms us, why do we inflict pain on others? It kind of makes you think about human nature and that we just might not be inherently good. Of course I have never been in that camp anyways but competitive sports just makes it too easy. :)

By: Sheldon Kotyk

Sheldon Kotyk — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:59:00 +0000

As someone who has officiated at the Junior A and University level, I’d have to say that the issue isn’t the sport as much as it is the intensity and emotion that people play at.

Would Downie have done this if he wasn’t trying to make the team? Probably, he had gotten hit cleanly earlier and was looking to make someone pay for it so he would look tough. It happens all the time. Unfortunately, he left his feet.

Don’t forget, figure skating has had competitors hit knees with pipes, a kicker in football stabbed a teammate to try and take over the starting role and a quick google of “violence in chess” gives some great reading options. :)

We live in a world where people “lose it.” Downie “lost it” and now he gets to sit for 20 games.

By: Doris J.Marshall

Doris J.Marshall — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:04:35 +0000

my grandson plays hockey he started at age 8 and loves it but doent like to hit or kick…he just loves the game …his dad is very aggressive and pushes him to be more aggressive which he wont do his dad has never played hockey and still doesnt just because of the hitting but wont admit it. i do enjoy hockey but i dont like the punching and hitting o heads just like soccer head hitting

By: EM

EM — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:55:32 +0000

I believe that going over board like that is wrong because it takes this awesome sport into a life and death situation. I mean what would happen if someone got hurt so bad that it paralyzes them or causes brain damage or breaks limbs…I mean I can understand when they get hit on accident but to do this on purpose….that’s going way over board. I don’t watch hockey as much anymore because these kinds of happenings have taken the enjoyment out of it for me. If anything I get frustrated and have often wondered why they don’t do something about this type of behavior. Yes you’re right….they should start when they’re young,teaching them this behavior isn’t tolerated. I also believe it sets them up to be the type of aggressive adults we sometimes see out in public situations. Yes, football players get bashed for a living…and sometimes they loose their cool, heck every sport has some sort of happening it seems. Whatever happened to just playing and enjoying the sports one plays? Well, if they don’t get a handle on this, I’m sure it will get worse for sure.