The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

I was slightly amused at the road-rage incident involving a 65 year old man named Jean Therien and Ottawa Senators goaltender Ray Emery. But upon further reflection, Emery's act is getting less & less cute and he's going to have stop acting like a $3.2 million a year child.

The NHL is a league that needs more characters, and Emery is certainly an exception to the rather bland typical NHL player we see. He once ate a cockroach after being offered $500 from Daniel Alfredsson if he'd do it. He came to practice with his hair dyed blonde, only to have it shaved off after a lecture from management. These incidents didn't really make me think he was a bad person or anything. I actually dug the suits he'd wear to games and practices. Very flamboyant, and not something I'd ever wear, but it showed he had some individuality and character.

He got into more trouble when his goalie mask, his previous editions having drawings of famous pro boxers, had a likeness of rapist Mike Tyson on it. He upset police when he presented Snoop Dogg an Ottawa Senators jersey with the number 187 on the back (187 the code in the California Penal System for murder). He showed up late for his charter flight during the playoffs because of an accident involving his Hummer.

And now he's accused of threatening the life of a senior citizen after being cut off in traffic. He followed the man in his Hummer and allegedly referred to him as a "f*cking old bag of bones" amongst other things. Yesterday afternoon, police said no charges will be laid, however Therien said he will probably sue him in civil court.

Does Ray ever stop and think before he acts? My question for Ray now is, "When are you going to grow up?"

Pro athletes are in the limelight, like it or not. They represent the community and the team wherever they go. I think Emery is starting to be more and more selfish and not taking the time to stop and think about his actions. He was all smiles and giggles while being interviewed about this road rage incident. But it's not funny anymore. His reputation is starting to slide.

I like Ray Emery. He's only 24 years old and I think he's only going to get better. But if these outside shenanigans continue, he's value will be diminished, and the scrutiny and pressure from the public & media on his conduct may start to affect his performance on the ice. At that point, even his biggest fans will turn their back on him.

Time to grow up, while he's still young.