Welcome to the curious world of the alleged All-Star. A strange, extravagant place where nothing really makes sense.
The annual jamboree which showcases the glorified superstars of the NHL, MLB, and NBA is really nothing more than a hyperbolic exhibition game, offering a unique opportunity to give fans a glimpse of their heroes.
Yet, as the shameful, almost unbelievable tale of Arizona Coyotes’ bruiser John Scott proves, these events are nothing more than another chance to ensure the dollars keep rolling in.
A tilt-a-whirl tally for the @NHLCanes. #CGYvsCAR https://t.co/zMaQTjO0Ov
— NHL (@NHL) January 25, 2016
Scott is an ice hockey throwback; an enforcer. Today’s NHL is all about speed, agility, and quality – attributes the 33 year-old is painfully lacking.
Scott has one lone assist this season from 11 games. A career total boasts five goals, six assists, and 542 penalty minutes.
At the other end of the spectrum, Chicago Blackhawks’ ace Patrick Kane stands atop the leaderboard while Alex Ovechkin has propelled the Washington Capitals into Stanley Cup contention on the way to becoming the all-time leading scorer from Russia.
There is, however, something endearing about the Canadian’s effort and dedication to a career which has spanned nearly a decade. Scott has enough bruises to last a lifetime; a cult hero if ever there was one. So, with the participants of the All-Star game decided by an online poll, the fans took matters into their own hands.
This has happened before – only last year, Latvia went vote-crazy to ensure Zemgus Girgensons was invited to the party although it should be noted the Buffalo Sabres’ center would deserve a spot based on merit alone.
When the polls closed, Scott had romped away with the lead. Stand up for the Pacific League captain – one of the worst players around. It didn’t matter.
This was his moment. With Mrs Scott expecting twins the weekend of the Nashville festivities at the end of this month, the timing couldn’t have been better. Oh, and if Scott is able to mastermind a triumph in the newfangled 3 versus 3 matches, he will enjoy the share of $1 million.
What happened next, however, was an absolute disgrace. The NHL, so desperate to appease corporate suits and marketing men, urged Scott to pull out. They feared becoming a laughing stock.
He rightly refused – and was promptly traded to Montreal in the Atlantic Division before being shunted out to their American Hockey League sister club. That meant no more All-Star.
Such was the understandable, seething fury from large swathes of supporters, bungling NHL commissioner Gary Bettman hastily backtracked. Scott would take part after all – though what an embarrassing, pathetic, transparent state of affairs.
“I had to make the trade.I have a reason that I can’t really tell you why, but if I could, you would probably understand,” Montreal manager Marc Bergevin (below) said, utterly unconvincingly.
For an organisation which prides itself on a fervent fanbase who soak in the nostalgia of a beloved sport and continues to pack arenas, it was a move of breathtaking arrogance.
The All-Star game should be fun. With the World Cup and Olympics on the agenda in 2016, there will be ample opportunity to watch the finest players in the world compete against each other.
This is all about showcasing skills, while those not involved can take a breather from the seemingly relentless surge of matches.
However, it appears neither the NHL, the MLB, nor the NBA are able to strike the right balance. Last year’s All-Star basketball game was a glorified training session. Yet, for some, these games really matter. And that’s why changes need to be made.
New Orleans Pelicans star, Anthony Davis, would have triggered a $23 million increase if he was due to start in Toronto next month.
Instead, he lost out to the retiring Kobe Bryant. That’s the same LA Lakers veteran who has stunk out the League in his last ever season. Try telling Davis – or Scott for that matter – it means nothing.
