LEAVE SIDNEY CROSBY ALONE

(This is an excerpt from my newspaper column for this weekend.)
There are people actually questioning Sidney Crosby’s willingness to play hockey? How can anyone, including any player in his locker room, who has watched him play for five minutes, think that this guy would rather be in a press box than on the ice?

From the minute he showed up for his first practice at 18 years old, he has never spent one second on the ice going at anything under 100 percent.

In all my years of watching Pittsburgh sports, I know of only two other players whose motors ran like Crosby’s — Roberto Clemente and Dave Parker. I’m sure there have been players in other sports who have played with the same intensity, but they didn’t stick out the way those guys did. I watched Clemente for 18 years and never –and I mean NEVER — saw him run to first base at anything less than 100 percent and that includes after a one hop shot back to the pitcher.

Dave Parker was the same way, even after he became a fat person.

Sidney Crosby goes at the same speed when his team is tied 2-2 in the third period, losing 6-0 in the third period or winning 8-0 in the third period. This is the guy who became known for going home every Summer and coming back noticeably better at some part of his game that he wasn’t satisfied with during the season.

Even after a season in which he was widely acclaimed as the best player in the world. Some in the media expect him to give daily or even weekly updates on his condition.

To what end?

It’s not like he can pull up his pant leg and show you that his knee is still swollen. He doesn’t feel right.

He’s been warned about the dire long term consequences of coming back too soon. He’s 24 and I’m sure wants to play until he’s 40.

He’s building a house in Pittsburgh.

He’s never been arrested or accused of assaulting a woman.

You won’t find one tweet from him out there in the Twittersphere. Imagine how much tweeting he could have done in the last year.

I don’t know about you, but I’m glad he’s had the maturity to keep his thoughts to himself. He’s going to play hockey again and may play for the Penguins for another 15 years.

People need to shut up and leave him alone.

Date: January 13, 2012

Categories: Sports

Tags: MEDIA QUESTIONING CROSBY'S TOUGHNESS

Comments RSS TrackBack 56 comments

Reply

Dan

in January 13th, 2012 @ 09:31

Amen.
Reply

Gary M

in January 13th, 2012 @ 09:46

I don’t get it.
Steelers lose, fire Lebeau.
Penguins lose in the playoffs, Fleury wasn’t worth the pick.
Sid doesn’t want to end up like a vegetable, he’s a wimp.

I really believe that you have people who have taken a large chunk of their disposable income and forked it over for season tickets.
Trips to the stadium/arena become the night out.
It’s not fun anymore when the team loses.
It’s got to be someone’s fault.
I’m not proud to wear my $250, genuine, game day like, embroidered sweater anymore.

I just hope that Sid not only doesn’t tweet, but doesn’t read them either.
Reply

paulbark

in January 13th, 2012 @ 09:59

John….I enjoy taking issue with your point of view on things. You take it very well. But in this article about Sidney, I think you captured so many things so well. I agree 100%. I’ll be looking for the full article this weekend.

I wasn’t aware of Crosby’s work ethic. While I appreciate great skill and physical capabilities, it’s the work ethic that’s most admirable.

Now, on to a different article, where I can disagree with you on something!
Reply

Tom in FL

in January 13th, 2012 @ 10:03

Well said John. I hope he takes as much time as he needs to make sure that he’s healthy, on and off the ice.
Reply

Kenman

in January 13th, 2012 @ 10:06

The need for regular, detailed, and truthful updates on Crosby’s status is now even more obvious. You saw what a lack of updates caused, rumors morphing into “facts” that even his teammates believed. It has done harm. Expecting people to accept that no word means no change in status won’t cut it. Enough with the veil of secrecy!

Reply

John Steigerwald

in January 13th, 2012 @ 10:45

There is/was nothing to update.

Reply

Turtle Creeker

in January 13th, 2012 @ 10:20

Thank you John
Miss you Sid, Get Well Soon
Reply

Ken

in January 13th, 2012 @ 10:53

It is sad that people are questioning Crosby’s toughness or work ethic. On internet sites, I’ve never seen an athlete, not even Tim Tebow, come under more unjustified criticism and ridicule from “fans” than Crosby.

But, I think he or the team should occassionally update us on his status. Even if there’s nothing to report, say that. The Kremlin-like news blackout is frustrating. I understand that his health is a personal matter, but he’s a public figure. A lot of people invest a lot of time, and sometimes money, in the Penguins. Fans pays the bills. I think that the fans are owed an occasional blurb from Sid.

More importantly, as team captain I think he should be more visible. I don’t know his medical status, maybe it was best for him not to fly with the team. But at least at home games, even though he can’t play, maybe he could be a more visible leader. (I’m realize that I’m saying this without full info. For all I know, Sid may be in the locker room every day.)

Reply

John Steigerwald

in January 13th, 2012 @ 11:01

I’ve found that in all sports, injured players tend to stay out of sight. Especially the really good ones.

Reply

Cambot

in January 13th, 2012 @ 11:00

Well said.
Reply

Iron Mike

in January 13th, 2012 @ 11:02

For Pete’s sake…give an update where there’s an update. Otherwise, assume that everything the same as yesterday, no better or no worse.

I think a lot of it is a generational thing. The younger folks these days are on the edge of their seats waiting for their favorite celebrity to tweet when they’re going to the grocery store to buy toilet paper. Information is available so instantaneously these days – both for the better and for the worse depending on what it is – that a lot of people have no patience. They want it and they want it now. Rationale be damned!

Reply

John Steigerwald

in January 13th, 2012 @ 11:04

Bingo.

Reply

Mike from Boston

in January 13th, 2012 @ 11:31

Well said. Get well soon, Sid.

Reply

Frank

in January 13th, 2012 @ 11:53

I’ve been saying it since January of last year…

Give me an update when there’s actually an update. When he’s ready to play, he will play.

Also, anyone who questions his desire to play is a complete fool and doesn’t know the first thing about Sidney Crosby or hockey players in general. He practices harder than some play the actual game. When he’s back in Pittsburgh, get in a car and drive to a Penguins practice. Then get back to me about his “desire” to play.

Reply

Dean

in January 13th, 2012 @ 12:16

What does him going “100%” while on the ice have to do with a question of whether or not he could play even if he gets a headache, sinus or otherwise. Given the fact that many players have said that they played with headaches and did NOT end up like vegetables and the fact that Lindros and LaFontaine appears to be happy and healthy, it is a legitimate question to ask if he can continue to play. It’s just a question…which apparently some of the Pens players are asking to themselves.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in January 13th, 2012 @ 14:25

It has everything to do with it.

Reply

Kansas City expat

in January 13th, 2012 @ 13:00

It is ironic that you place Sid in the company of Clemente and Parker, as he surely belongs with them both in his work ethic AND the degree to which it was/is questioned by the blockhead contingent of Pittsburgh sports fans. People thought Roberto was a hypochondriac and threw battteries at Parker. Now they questions Sid’s heart. Sad.
Reply

Dan

in January 13th, 2012 @ 13:53

I agree 100% John. I believe there’s no athlete more dedicated to his sport and who wants to play more than Sid. Anyone who questions his toughness or willingness to play is competely off base.

No one, not even the doctors, know for sure how Sid is physically. The doctors can clear him to play, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s ready to play.

I suffered a bad injury and was in terrible pain, but the doctors cleared me to return to work. I did return, but doing so just aggravated the injury. I ended up taking time off until I was completely healed.

Doctors are fallible, just like anyone else. Only Sid knows for sure if he’s able to return, and no one wants to return more than Sid himself.
Reply

Ken

in January 13th, 2012 @ 14:35

I read today in the Trib that he’s having problems with balance and doesn’t know if it’s from the concussions or not.

That’s scary.
Reply

Rich

in January 13th, 2012 @ 14:47

Here’s all we need to know. When Sid is ready, he’ll be back. When he does he’ll go at the 100 mile an hour pace we have come to admire. Until then we can rest assured the Penguins, their medical staff, Sid’s doctors, Sid, Mr. and Mrs.Crosby, his sister and everyone associated with Sid have his best interest in mind. So don’t worry getting updates. The only update we need to worry about is getting in front of the TV or going to the Consol when he returns.
Reply

Gary M

in January 13th, 2012 @ 14:51

Just out of curiosity, why didn’t anyone question Ryan Clark about his decision to sit out in Denver?
I mean if Sid can be questioned about being careful about matters concerning his life, why no question in regards to Clark?

Ah, this is a rhetorical question…..

Reply

Frank

in January 13th, 2012 @ 21:23

Cause he’s a Stiller n’at.

Remember, you can beat the shit out of your woman and it’s all good with the yinzers as long as you get that INT in Super Bowl XLIII. Hell, your Godlike boss will even write you an excuse these days.

Again, Sid just has a simple “headache” according to the alcoholic brain trusts who wear Roethlisberger and Harrison jerseys on Sunday afternoons.
Reply

Jeff S

in January 13th, 2012 @ 23:08

Oh Gee. I don’t know…. MAYBE BECAUSE HE HAD HIS SPLEEN AND GALLBLADDER REMOVED! And I can see the difference right? I’ve had many headaches due to sinus issues over the years myself personally. WTF. Remove your Penguin goggles. Talk to Muhammad Ali and many other boxers who have had not one or two, but a 1000 shots to the head and talk Gary. Play both sides of the fence, its ridiculous. I’ve been a Penguin fan since the mid 80′, so I’m not selectively picking my own battles. The big problem is he can’t live up to Mario who beats cancer and major back issues and is still the best who ever was and will be in my mind. All you morons need to stop bringing the Steelers into this argument….nuff said

Reply

Bobzilla

in January 14th, 2012 @ 05:36

Jeff S: Well said.
There’s a segment of Pens fans that’s simply jealous of the Steelers/NFL’s popularity, while there’s another segment of Pens fans that’s simply racist.
There’s been plenty of hockey players who have broken the law but go unnoticed because no one actually pays attention to or even cares what they do … I think I remember reading something recently about Mathew Barnaby … but his illegal activity escapes me, because, like millions of others, I just don’t care.
Because of Sid’s concussion problems, I think James Harrison ought to be suspended … immediately.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in January 14th, 2012 @ 07:34

Sorry, but I’ve never run into a Penguins fan who is jealous of the Steelers’ popularity. Football is much more popular than hockey and there are thousands thousands of people out there who never played hockey and have never taken the time to understand it as much as they understand (or think they understand) football. Many of those people feel left out when the Penguins are the top sports story. It’s still a relatively new phenomenon — especially in a market where there are so many old people who discovered the NFL in the 70S. A recent survey showed the Penguins to be the more popular team among the 18-34 demographic. There are people out there who are huge Steelers fans but don’t understand off side or icing in hockey –the equivalent of not knowing what a 1st down is in football. There are many,many more people who love the Steelers and don’t care about or like the Penguins than there are Penguins fans who don’t like or care about the Steelers. I’m sure there are plenty of cricket players who break the law. NFL players are in a league of their own. There are plenty of people in the local media who think the Penguins moved to town in 1991. Prior to that, they made fun of hockey and hockey fans.

Reply

Frank

in January 14th, 2012 @ 10:31

“I’m sure there are plenty of cricket players who break the law. NFL players are in a league of their own.”

———————————————————————————————–

This pretty much sums it up…

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2011-07-09/nfl-lockout-19-players-arrested-in-120-days

Is that some sort of league record?

Reply

Gary M

in January 14th, 2012 @ 12:13

Jeff S, you are right, a spleen and gall bladder are much more serious than irreversible brain damage.
Mario may be the best that ever was, but best there will ever be? It’s good that you left yourself open to new things.
All science in this field point to a couple of things.
1. It isn’t necessarily a single shot or an accumulation of shots; both can be equally devastating. So your comparison of Crosby’s issue with a boxer is really irrelevant.
2. The most important thing for a full recovery is that the victim get rest after the incident. That is what Crosby DIDN’T do the first time. Since the hit he received in the Caps game was not considered to be the initial issue.
That lack of rest probably cost the team a long playoff run, Crosby his health and possibly his playing career. I think he’s given enough.

As far as the nuff said, I’m sure your aware that the origins of that are rooting in comic books. And after reading your post, I can see they were a big influence on you.

Reply

Gary M

in January 14th, 2012 @ 16:26

Shero came out and said that Crosby has not been cleared medically to play.
So now we know that Ryan Clark;s situation was a personal and team choice.
Sid didn’t have a choice.
Reply

Jeff S

in January 14th, 2012 @ 18:44

Gary M: Your missing the point. Your talking about one game for Clark, an entire season for Crosby. Clark was told that death was a possibility if he played in Denver. I’m no MD, but death is still worse than having headaches and drooling 30 years from now as far as I can tell. Just stop making the apples to oranges comparison with Steelers whom you obviously have targeted. I’ll just assume your a frustrated, Crosby jersey wearing Steeler hater.

Reply

Ken

in January 16th, 2012 @ 08:12

“Death is worse than drooling 30 years from now?”

Given a choice, I’d take death over being a vegetable.

Reply

Ken

in January 14th, 2012 @ 14:07

I think Gary made a legit point. Clark didn’t get criticized for not playing in Denver, not should he have been. Yet there’s grumbling about Crosby.

I’m not for a minute suggesting that Clark should have played. But if he played everywhere else this year, you’d think that the fans ripping Crosby would compare that and question Clark. He HAD surgery, past tense. He’s been playing and hitting people every week since. Why not last Sunday? He didn’t play for the same reason that Crosby doesn’t play: His life and well-being are important, more important than a game.

Crosby is having balance issues and headaches – think of all the spinning and twisting and quick changes involved in skating in the NHL. I’d say that balance is pretty important. If it was just headaches, there’s a fair chance Sid would play. But it’s not just headaches. If you’re having problems with balance and equilibrium, do you really think it would be safe for him to play? People questioning him are crazy.

I don’t get your point about boxing. Are you saying that Ali took so many shots to the head and Sid only a small number, so why isn’t Sid playing? Have you seen Ali in the last 20 years?

“The big problem is he can’t live up to Mario….” Big problem to who? Sid? What are you talking about? You think Crosby is sitting out having something to do with Lemieux? Maybe I’m just dense, but can you explain what you mean?

Reply

Jeff S

in January 14th, 2012 @ 18:56

Ken, I’m not saying Crosby should or shouldn’t be playing. However, perception is reality. My point is that many athletes have taken the same type of head shots that Crosby has and not taken what seems like an entire season off. Some of the fan base will ultimately think he is being a wuss because of it. “The big problem is he can’t live up to Mario….” Mario played not being able to lace up his skates. Mario played 2 months after radiation treatments for Hodgkins. Sidney has missed a ton of time for having headaches. Again, perception is reality to an impatient fan base.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in January 14th, 2012 @ 20:53

Mario had x rays . Mario had surgery. He had proof. Anybody who thinks Crosby can or should have to prove that he’s unable to play is an idiot.
Reply

John Steigerwald

in January 14th, 2012 @ 20:54

Some of the fan base are morons.
Reply

Ken

in January 16th, 2012 @ 07:13

Well, if anyone is comparing Crosby to Lemieux unfavorably because Lemieux had to have help lacing his skaetes while Sid has headaches, they’re just morons who need not be paid attention to.

It’s isn’t just headaches, it’s balance issues. And both are symptomatic in his case of brain trauma. It was probably made much worse for Crosby by playing the next game after the Winter Classic. He likely had a concussion, then got another, which makes it far worse. If he still has symptoms now, there’s no way that he should play.

Given a choice, I think I’d rather deal with Lemieux’s back and cancer. Crosby’s concussion is obviously of great severity. At least doctors have a pretty fair idea of how to deal with those. There is still much unknown about the brain.

Reply

Gary M

in January 16th, 2012 @ 12:09

Thanks Ken, finally someone GOT the point.
Neither of them should have been criticized one bit

Reply

speagle

in January 13th, 2012 @ 15:04

Speaking of Dave Parker getting “fat.” No doubt he put on weight after he got the big $$$ (at the time).

However, it is funny looking back at pictures of him after he put on the weight and Captain Willie (who was definitely “fat” back then for an athlete). They don’t look fat AT ALL compared to some of the blimps we see in today’s game … and they look like anorexics compared to all of the lard-asses we see in the streets each and every day.

Reply

Ken

in January 14th, 2012 @ 14:09

Willie Stargell was pretty fat in the late ’70s to the end of his career. Although he might have still look think compared to Prince Fielder. That ‘s going to catch up to Fielder someday.

He was a powerful-looking man in his late ’60s/early ’70s prime. Root Sports ran a Stargell special recently with some good interviews and footage. The good old days.

Reply

Ken

in January 14th, 2012 @ 14:10

Sorry my typing gets worse all the time.

“look think” = “looked thin”

Reply

Ochotexto

in January 13th, 2012 @ 15:32

Not a hockey fan but have to agree here. Not sure how anyone can question Crosby’s heart. On top of being a super talent., that kid is a grinder. There probably isn’t anyone more upset about him not playing than Sid himself.
This notion he is dogging it seems to be gaining steam. I sense it may be coming from a jealous teammate. Just a hunch.
Reply

Dr. Phibes

in January 13th, 2012 @ 15:43

All good points John. Can’t believe anyone would question Crosby’s dedication.

Like Larry used to say to Moe after he abused Curly: “Hey, why don’t you leave him alone”
Reply

Meat

in January 13th, 2012 @ 17:34

Remember George Hendrick? Now that was a motor!
Reply

Pat

in January 13th, 2012 @ 19:54

Sports is an entertainment industry. Unfortunately complaining about sports figures is a mini industry of sports journalism.
Reply

John

in January 14th, 2012 @ 00:05

I don’t care if it takes 2 years, Sid needs to get healthy, with both mind and body. When he is comfortable and there are no more symptoms, he will come back. If it means missing the playoffs this year, so be it. My only concern is his pending contract. Hopefully the Pens and Sid can come to terms, but I am optimistic that it happens. Get well soon Sid. Good write up John.
Reply

ISteve Roissy

in January 15th, 2012 @ 05:07

The criticism of Sid just proves this is a racist tahn.

Reply

Erik

in January 15th, 2012 @ 15:55

huh?
Reply

Ken

in January 16th, 2012 @ 08:09

Pittsburgh has always been rife with Nova Scotian hatred.

Reply

ISteve Roissy

in January 16th, 2012 @ 22:24

For real, this anti Maritime Province thing must stop. If Hines and McCutchen were brothas like Sir Sid, you think everyone would still be wearing their jerseys and and being such big fans? These Yinzers are are a bunch of ritz crackers.

Reply

Niblick

in January 15th, 2012 @ 19:57

John, I agree with your blog here. Although I don’t think too many people question Crosby’s desire once he is playing. It was a combination of things that happened to cause people to question what was going on. Then you had a writer claiming that Crosby not playing was causing a rift in the locker room. And then to top it off, Crosby blames the Steelers for losing and having the fans now focus on the Penguins. That was dumb.

Crosby caused a lot of this himself. If I was a season ticket holder and paying for those over priced seats, I would want an update now and again about the best player on the team. When he went out after those eight games, Bylsma said he would be taking a couple games off. Then you heard nothing for weeks on end. I think the Pens and Crosby himself could do a little more to inform the paying public on what is going on.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in January 15th, 2012 @ 22:12

You make some good points but you lost me when you said he “blamed” the Steelers. He stated a fact. How can you possibly call that blaming them?

Reply

Frank

in January 16th, 2012 @ 12:13

This is what Crosby said…

“It’s tough to even answer it because it’s so-so far fetched. “Let’s be honest, Steelers are out and the Penguins are what there is to talk about and anything that can be brought up or started especially given the situation is a pretty easy fit. Been around long enough to know that this stuff seems to come out when you’re losing.”.

Where in that quote did Crosby “blame” the Steelers for anything? He simply stated a fact. Since the Steelers got booted out of the playoffs, people who know very little about hockey are now paying closer attention to the Penguins, including those in the media.

In return, rumors get started, quotes get erroneously picked apart and situations are blown way out of proportion.

Reply

Jeff S

in January 15th, 2012 @ 23:17

John, what do you think the Penguins should do if this situation drags on endlessly? For instance, would you let Crosby ride this situation out for the next 5 years and eat the 45 million or (gasp!) force him into retirement, or some other option? At some point the organization is hurting themselves by taking no action but I don’t know when that is.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in January 16th, 2012 @ 09:54

Let’s see where he is two months from now before we start worrying about 2017.
Reply

Mike from Boston

in January 16th, 2012 @ 10:39

Even when he’s out with a head injury, Sidney Crosby is still the best player in the game right now. He’s also the “face” of the Penguins and the modern NHL as a whole. The kind of instant recognition that comes with one player across an entire sport comes along maybe once in a generation, and it’s a phenomenon that has blessed the Pittsburgh region more than once in the city’s rich sports history. I don’t think the Penguins organziation would be hurting themselves in any way if, hypothetically, Sid didn’t come back to play anytime soon and they still paid him the full amount of his contract.

Reply

Tattoo Rick

in January 16th, 2012 @ 12:33

Forget fans, Crosby’s teammates questioned him. There are guys in that very locker room that have had head injury and headaches and were not out of the lineup for a year. If you can’t play after a year off retire and save everyone the bullshit cause its over. By the way Mario gave up the C in the first cup year.

Reply

John Steigerwald

in January 16th, 2012 @ 15:04

Yeah. He’s 24. Just quit.

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Dan

Gary M

paulbark

Tom in FL

Kenman

Turtle Creeker

Ken

Cambot

Iron Mike

Mike from Boston

Frank

Dean

Kansas City expat

Dan

Ken

Rich

Gary M

Frank

Jeff S

Bobzilla

Frank

Gary M

Gary M

Jeff S

Ken

Ken

Jeff S

Ken

Gary M

speagle

Ken

Ken

Ochotexto

Dr. Phibes

Meat

John

ISteve Roissy

Erik

Ken

ISteve Roissy

Niblick

Frank

Jeff S

Mike from Boston

Tattoo Rick