Toronto Maple Leafs Fire GM Brian Burke!

[cecil127]

soccer, eh? i knew you wouldnt/couldnt possibly be a bigger Flyers fan than myself and your statement (honest? yes! a spit in the face to all flyers fans? yes again joe-eeeey!) proves this beyond any defense u could muster in yet another feeble reply.

so anywho: how was your prance up broad st new years day? you never did get back to us about that....

http://forum.sbrforum.com/saloon/2101982-phillyhomophobeflyer-performing-today.html

[DwightShrute]

Brian Burke firing was personal

By Elliotte Friedman

Posted: Wednesday, January 9, 2013 | 09:13 PM

Read 0 comments0 Back to accessibility links The firing of Brian Burke caught more than a few in the hockey world by surprise. (Chris Young/Canadian Press)

NEW YORK - So, here's a question: how many times do you see a GM on a run of regular-season disappointed get fired - but the rest of his staff survive untouched?

It doesn't happen. You get an interim replacement or a complete Mr. Clean-style changeover. And that's the proof that whatever happened with Brian Burke was personal. Whether on-ice or the boardroom, someone important didn't want him around.


There is no question Burke was in trouble. While Burke has supporters for the work he's done with the team's prospect base, another season without a playoff performance probably meant the end. But this move was a total stunner, coming hours before the NHL ratified its new CBA with the players.


Other governors were shocked. The NHL's meeting was loaded with people who make the kinds of decisions Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment did Wednesday morning.


"You never do it on a lark," one said.


"These kinds of moves are planned out well in advance," said another. "Unless something big happens that forces you to do it immediately."


"Something must have happened," said a third, the overwhelming sentiment of the day.


One year ago, media covering the team heard Dave Nonis (the new boss) was running the day-to-day operations, while Burke worried more about business aspects and the big picture.


I asked Burke if he would become more of a CEO or COO while Nonis became the GM. He smiled.


"Won't happen," he said, not surprised to hear the question. But he has another saying: "I work for the owners as long as they want me."


New bosses, new answer.


Timing right out of Bizarro World


If MLSE planned this out well in advance, the timing makes absolutely zero sense. It is right out of Bizarro World for Burke to be a part of CBA negotiations if this is what the organization wanted to do.


What could have happened? Burke and his staff attended Tuesday night's AHL game between their Toronto Marlies and the Hamilton Bulldogs. After the game, his travel plans to New York City were intact.


He never made the flight.


There are a ton of rumours that the new Rogers/Bell ownership did not like his "management style." The unfortunate thing for Burke is rumours like that one only create more rumours. Whatever the case, there's no way it's unanimous.


Larry Tanenbaum, the team's chairman, doesn't like talking to the media. But he's classy about it, often answering reporters' queries with a polite refusal to say anything. It's the nicest "no-comment" on the planet.


I've never seen him try to avoid talking like he did on Wednesday, at one point pulling the old "fake-I'm-on-the-phone" bit so he didn't have to stop. When he did speak briefly before the board meeting, he looked more uncomfortable than ever.


"This was the decision of the [MLSE] board," he said quietly. "And I'm on the board." But his heart wasn't in it with his friend fired hours earlier. Nonis looked ashen at the official media conference.


"The relationship between a general manager and ownership is a very complex, different relationship, and it has to work long-term," said Tom Anselmi, MLSE's Chief Operating Officer. "If you decide it's not going to work long-term, you're best to deal with it and deal with expeditiously."


There must be a catalyst, a final straw that doomed the marriage - calling for a divorce at the weirdest possible time. Losing can't be the only reason. Raptors boss Bryan Colangelo survived a horrendous start, with angry hounds baying at the moon.


Next week, we'll find out if it really was Roberto Luongo. (Good thing he's got a great sense of humour, he's getting blamed for everything from new CBA rules to executive firings).


Burke had a clause in his contract that gave him final authority on hockey decisions. (Not unusual in either MLSE or the NHL). You could debate him, but he had the hammer.


While the Maple Leafs' interest in Luongo is about as secret as Kim Kardashian's love for attention, it's believed the hockey boss cooled on the idea. Maybe it was posturing. Maybe he didn't like the price (not both Nazem Kadri and Jake Gardiner, that's crazy talk).


Maybe he didn't like that Luongo's long-time guru is the recently replaced Francois Allaire. But, there was certainly a feeling in New York that the Maple Leafs will be much more interested now that Nonis (who brought him to Vancouver) is in charge.


Burke's future


Of course, the price might just have gone up...especially since Philadelphia is reportedly in the picture, joining the Maple Leafs and the wildcards from Chicago, Florida and Edmonton.


Where does Burke resurface? Former coach Ron Wilson - who also had time remaining on his contract - remains in the Witness Protection Program. Burke is a television natural but this may come with a muzzle.


Don't be surprised if he wants to rejoin the league office. The oddest thing about Burke's Toronto tenure is that he always seemed to be arguing against positions (back-diving contracts, offer sheets, etc.) that seemed to align with the advantages of a financial powerhouse.


He was a "hawk" during CBA negotiations, helping draw up a plan that would penalize teams benefitting from back-diving deals. Maybe he saw this coming and was planning an exit strategy.


This is one where we're going to know more in a week than we do now.


Bettman apologizes


Initially, I thought the NHL would be furious at the timing of the Burke presser, but after watching commissioner Gary Bettman's media conference, I'm not so certain.


It's clear the league's strategy is that it is time to move on. Board chairman Jeremy Jacobs said the game was gone "far too long, and for that we are sorry." Meanwhile Bettman said, "I owe you an apology," to the players, sponsors and fans.


What was more interesting is what Bettman wouldn't answer - specific comments regarding the negotiations or any regrets about them. Same for three general managers who met with the media beforehand - George McPhee, David Poile and Steve Yzerman - only hockey questions, no CBA thank you.


It's a smart strategy. "Focus on the future and not the past," is a good message to send when your past wasn't exactly a barrel of laughs. But, it's not going to work - yet.


The puck doesn't drop for another week-and-a-half, so fans still have plenty of time to stew. If my twitter feed is any indication, today's apologies weren't enough. The Burke news and other moves may occupy their attention, but, as a group, fans are keenly interested in what's in it for them.


It's not a bad thing that Bettman also ducked that question, as long as he, the teams and the players are working towards an excellent answer.


And the longer fans go without knowing what that answer is, the better they expect it to be.

[PhillyFlyers]

soccer, eh? i knew you wouldnt/couldnt possibly be a bigger Flyers fan than myself and your statement (honest? yes! a spit in the face to all flyers fans? yes again joe-eeeey!) proves this beyond any defense u could muster in yet another feeble reply.

so anywho: how was your prance up broad st new years day? you never did get back to us about that....

http://forum.sbrforum.com/saloon/2101982-phillyhomophobeflyer-performing-today.html

Shut up you stupid dikk. You will never live to see the day you can all yourself a better or more knowledgeable Flyers fan than me farmfag.

You ain't from Philly farmfag, you just work here sometimes. Go back to wrestling pigs in the mud and fukking goats in your backyard asshole.

[Deuce]

Montreal is the loudest arena in the NHL. No one even close. Joe Louis in the playoffs and United Center when the team plays well. Toronto up there too.

[PhillyFlyers]

Montreal is the loudest arena in the NHL. No one even close. Joe Louis in the playoffs and United Center when the team plays well. Toronto up there too.

"Loudest" wasn't what we were talking about.

[DennisGreen]

Not sure how Philly could take on Luongo's contract. They can't buy out Mr. Universe til June and only have a few mill in cap space left so they'd have to swing something big to pull that off.

I'd be very scared for Luongo's state of mind though in the Philly market

[evilhomer]

ACC is only loud during the last few minutes of the game. Both NBA and NHL. Otherwise you can hear a pin drop most the time

[Deuce]

"Loudest" wasn't what we were talking about.

"Loudest" is what others were talking about. Scroll up and read again, sport.

[robzilla]

I dont why this is such a surprise. Burke hasnt done anything, and he isnt someone that you would want representing anything.

[PhillyFlyers]

"Loudest" is what others were talking about. Scroll up and read again, sport.

How are you going to tell me about Me and Nicky's personal discussion? The subject wasn't "loudest". NIcky brought that up after I told him to come to Philly to see a Flyers game. I responded by saying Philly is crazier. The discussion wasn't loudest.

[Vegas39]

Not sure how Philly could take on Luongo's contract. They can't buy out Mr. Universe til June and only have a few mill in cap space left so they'd have to swing something big to pull that off.

I'd be very scared for Luongo's state of mind though in the Philly market

I read they were pushing hard, but never did read any names that may be included in trade.

[cecil127]

Phillyhomophobe,
When i'm in town you're to scared to show your face. Ur my biatch and Philly is my town. Unless of course you'd care to do something about it Joe-eeeey?
Yea,didnt think so, biatch..

[PhillyFlyers]

Phillyhomophobe,
When i'm in town you're to scared to show your face. Ur my biatch and Philly is my town. Unless of course you'd care to do something about it Joe-eeeey?
Yea,didnt think so, biatch..

Scared to show my face? You got it wrong farmfag. I already addressed this with you. Apparently, you can't comprehend what is said to you mr. goatfukker.

You aren't a thought in the course of my day. If I actually took the time to seek you out I would fukkin destroy you. I can get you anytime I want farmfag, I don't think you're realizing this.

But then again, why should you? You can't comprehend what is said to you, you have no one in life that loves you (no, the goats you fukk do not count), and you're just a plain, miserable, all around no good fukk.

[PhillyFlyers]

Nicky

Are the Canadiens looking to unload PK Subban? Why hasn't he signed yet?

The Flyers would be very interested in doing a deal for him if you guys want to talk trade.

[cecil127]

Scared to show my face? You got it wrong farmfag. I already addressed this with you. Apparently, you can't comprehend what is said to you mr. goatfukker.

You aren't a thought in the course of my day. If I actually took the time to seek you out I would fukkin destroy you. I can get you anytime I want farmfag, I don't think you're realizing this.

But then again, why should you? You can't comprehend what is said to you, you have no one in life that loves you (no, the goats you fukk do not count), and you're just a plain, miserable, all around no good fukk.

yea, just as suspected: a whole lotta yackin and not one word about actually making me stfu. so phukk you sissy boy, its my town you're living in and the rent is due biatch! tell yo momma to put on the fishnets and leapord print bra i like her in-im coming to collect!
you wish u could dream about the day youd have enough ballz to face me. you wouldnt stand a second in my world biatch-it must suck being that much of a pussy you cant even face someone who'll openly post a pic of himself here and challenge you straight up...haha i gues youre smart enough to see an ass kickin coming when you see it. and believe me brother you saw it and are keeping that big mouth shut when asked to step up. not as dumb as we once thought....

but then again: here comes his rock solid nhl plays that we can all fade to make bank! oh happy-happy joy-joy!!

[PhillyFlyers]

yea, just as suspected: a whole lotta yackin and not one word about actually making me stfu. so phukk you sissy boy, its my town you're living in and the rent is due biatch! tell yo momma to put on the fishnets and leapord print bra i like her in-im coming to collect!
you wish u could dream about the day youd have enough ballz to face me. you wouldnt stand a second in my world biatch-it must suck being that much of a pussy you cant even face someone who'll openly post a pic of himself here and challenge you straight up...haha i gues youre smart enough to see an ass kickin coming when you see it. and believe me brother you saw it and are keeping that big mouth shut when asked to step up. not as dumb as we once thought....

but then again: here comes his rock solid nhl plays that we can all fade to make bank! oh happy-happy joy-joy!!

You are beyond a doubt delusional. Philly is your town? Here's a clue:

Nobody here ever fukkin heard of you and if you tried to pull this bullshit in a bar here you would get carried out on an ambulance stretcher bitch.

It's time to pay the rent? Make me farmfag.



Your not only delusional, you talk shit. A fukkin bullshitter to the core. You are a visitor here farmfag. That's all. Stick to the rooftops, fukkin farm animals, and your worthless, miserable life bitch.

[cecil127]

yack, yack yack.....wheres the nhl picks? thats how you pay the rent bitch, givin us your picks. you're my bitch and ill make $ off you one way or the other. youre not gonna like it but thats the way we do it in philly bitch. youre in my town now mother phukker. pay up!

[PhillyFlyers]

yack, yack yack.....wheres the nhl picks? thats how you pay the rent bitch, givin us your picks. you're my bitch and ill make $ off you one way or the other. youre not gonna like it but thats the way we do it in philly bitch. youre in my town now mother phukker. pay up!

NHL picks? The season hasn't started yet you dumb, retarded, delusional fukk.

Don't worry though, when the season does start I'll give my NHL picks so you don't starve during the winter. I may not like you and you may not like me but I ain't cruel. At least you'll be able to feed yourself.

[cecil127]

between the ponies and robbing city homeowners of their hard earned cash (people like your parents!) for minimal roof repairs i feed myself and the family just fine

[PhillyFlyers]

between the ponies and robbing city homeowners of their hard earned cash (people like your parents!) for minimal roof repairs i feed myself and the family just fine

Good to hear. You had me worried for a second.

[cecil127]

just promise me itll be like last year... well thought out selections with the lil write up convincing yourself you are the sharp....so perfect, so easy to make cake thanks

[PhillyFlyers]

just promise me itll be like last year... well thought out selections with the lil write up convincing yourself you are the sharp....so perfect, so easy to make cake thanks

It'll be perfect and you will win lots of money and then you can go on vacation.

But you have to bet big, straight wagers. No parlays, teasers, reverses or any other shit that causes people to lose.

[cecil127]

phukk you i live and die by the parlay. its an aquired skill i learned betting exactas/trifectas/superfectas then applied it to sports betting. killed it a few years back (posted here at sbr) and have since given up sports betting. but you......you may just get the aging jedi out of retirement with those rock solid, fade it all the way to the bank picks you're known to post. a mush like you comes only but once in a blue moon oh great cellar dwelling homophobe. your whammy is but a great one for such a little person and mind. it is to be exploited and used for others gain while it lasts.

[PhillyFlyers]

phukk you i live and die by the parlay. its an aquired skill i learned betting exactas/trifectas/superfectas then applied it to sports betting. killed it a few years back (posted here at sbr) and have since given up sports betting. but you......you may just get the aging jedi out of retirement with those rock solid, fade it all the way to the bank picks you're known to post. a mush like you comes only but once in a blue moon oh great cellar dwelling homophobe. your whammy is but a great one for such a little person and mind. it is to be exploited and used for others gain while it lasts.

[cecil127]

yea, this 'bubba kush' is the shizit