Love this story and John Scott seems like such an amazing guy. However, the Montreal media is reporting that "The Canadiens are doing John Scott a favor by offering him to play one game with the team" (they are insisting that it will definitely be one game and only one). That attitude just makes me mad.
To the NHL's and Bettman's eternal shame...
1
Absolutely loved this story. Only in hockey! Scott may be one of the last big man "Grinders" out there. If he scores in one of the last three games for Montreal it's a movie deal for sure! I'm happy for him and his family.
Great story. After his playing career, he becomes an all star coach. Then the movie, I can hardly wait.
Well done. This is an outstanding article!
Awesome article.
Hope Scott plays well in these three games and more importantly gets to play in the NHL next season. Too bad NHL has destroyed his career because of the All Star game saga. Someday, hope he sues the NHL!
Hope Scott plays well in these three games and more importantly gets to play in the NHL next season. Too bad NHL has destroyed his career because of the All Star game saga. Someday, hope he sues the NHL!
> He was awarded a Honda Pilot for winning M.V.P. (He turned down the Odyssey because he had just bought a van for his growing family.)
I do not understand this reference ... John Scott was awarded a Honda Pilot for winning All-Star Game MVP, but he turned down a Honda Odyssey because he had bought a van? Huh?
I do not understand this reference ... John Scott was awarded a Honda Pilot for winning All-Star Game MVP, but he turned down a Honda Odyssey because he had bought a van? Huh?
His article for The Players Tribune is wonderful and a must-read for anyone remotely interested in the business of sports.
5
From that essay, called "A Guy Like Me:"
“ 'Do you think this is something your kids would be proud of?'
That was it, right there. That was the moment they lost me."
So... they were trying to convince him not to play in the All-Star game, in spite of being voted in by the fans, and that ... THAT is what they thought would work?
*facepalm*, as the young people say.
“ 'Do you think this is something your kids would be proud of?'
That was it, right there. That was the moment they lost me."
So... they were trying to convince him not to play in the All-Star game, in spite of being voted in by the fans, and that ... THAT is what they thought would work?
*facepalm*, as the young people say.
4
This story says as much about the NHL brass as it does about John Scott. One story is inspiring; the other very depressing. Courage versus fecklessness.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
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John Scott exemplifies all that is good in hockey. It is a game that at its core is just shinny on the frozen pond at the corner of the street, where the local kids have fun.
4
Superstars bring electricity to sports but it's athletes like John Scott who win our hearts. Great story about a tough, tenacious, and great guy. Best of luck and I hope you last another 5 years in the league.
4
I had the great pleasure to spend a few minutes with John prior to practice when the IceCaps were playing in Rochester a few weeks ago. What a kind, upstanding, genuine, down to earth guy. He simply could not have been any nicer. John made me think of the guy who lives next door - and when you are out grilling, he brings over a beer and you shoot the breeze. No matter what he does next, Ill be a fan. Great piece of writing and reporting. I still think the Habs just wanted to be in the movie ...
5
Without question, the best NYT article I've read all week. Thank you.
4
Wow, great story! The NHL should be ashamed of the way they treated him, but nothing gets people going like the underdog coming out on top. Thanks for writing this.
1
The NHL tried to board him, and got a black eye it sorely deserved.
1
Congrats to you John Scott. Keep smiling, it makes the serious game not so serious, and the fans appreciate it. Way to stick it to the NHL and Bettman. Keep grinding.
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It's funny to have a story like this amid all the political turmoil ouf our time. The outside goes in and wins the MVP of the All Star Game effectively giving a big middle finger to the NHL establishment. Wish he stayed with the Sharks.
2
This story shames the NHL powers that be. Kudos to Scott for being true to himself and the true spirit of an athlete! It's nice to see a nice guy win!
3
See you in Montreal on tuesday and people will love you! Good luck.
1
I have one word for John Scott, CLASS! He showed so much class amidst the classlessness of the media and the NHL. He was treated shamelessly. He didn't ask to be voted in, but when he was it was up to him to show up unlike some so-called superstars who took the weekend off to go vacation. He handled the entire brouhaha with class, he played his best and mentored they young players in St. Johns. Congratulations, John!
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Wishing you all the best in Montreal John!
13
A great little story about a man who really has a half full life. All of us who's lives are a bit of a struggle admire the way this gentleman looks at the bright side. I'm very happy for him. I hope I can face all of life as gracefully as he.
20
Awesome guy,awesome story. The NHL owners should be ashamed of themselves.
22
And the public should remember this perfidious act every time they hear the sanctimony and doublespeak coming out of Gary Betman and Bill Daley, who in all likelihood were the movers behind this disgraceful episode.
1
Scott's story reminds me of the Warren Zevon song "Hit Somebody".
How can you not love John Scott? I remember when he was on the Sabres a few years ago, he netted a goal I think against the Leafs and I and my friends immediately texted each other about it. We were very excited - it was like a Yeti sighting. And there was nobody better to have your back. Nicest tough guy in hockey.
14
John Scott seems to be the most decent and perceptive guy in the league - whichever league that may be. One hopes that one day he'll stick in the big time as a coach or an announcer. He give the impression he would be great.
11
Or a sportswriter. That essay for the Players' Tribune is a great piece of writing. http://www.theplayerstribune.com/a-guy-like-me/
7
Outstanding. Thanks for the tip and the link...
I watched the entire story unfurl and was amazed at what a genuinely nice guy that John Scott is. He rolled through everything with grace and dignity. When we mostly hear about disgraced athletes, here is someone to emulate. Great story.
19
I wish him luck. Whether he lasts back up in the NHL is up to him and his aging body, but it's nice to think that he survived the execs' childish attempt to punish him for catching the fans' fancy.
14
Absolutely fantastic. Go get'm John!
8
Great human interest story. Too bad it shows that the NHL is even a more stupid organization than I thought. Our great neighbor to the North deserves a far better steward of its national sport.
10
John Scott is not only one of the classiest players in the NHL, but all sports. . To play with his humility and dignity is a breath of fresh air.. I miss his presence in Chicago.. Gary Bettman is a dirt bag weasel who needs to move on from the NHL. He has had his grubby hands on ruining hockey as long as he has been in power.. As an American, I wish a Canadian would run the NHL.. we need more Canadian presence. ...
3