To the point of a possible gang-bang attack on an NHL referee?
The same Ron MacLean who, 4 years ago on national television, crucified a certain NHL player (Alexandre Burrows) for suggesting that a certain NHL referee (Stephane Auger) COULD POSSIBLY BE biased?
Does anyone else find it strange that this same Ron MacLean pointed out perceived bias by French-Canadian referees in games in Montreal, but has NEVER EVER touched upon perceived bias by Ontario-born referees in games in Toronto?
NOR perceived bias by the 3 Canadian refs in the past two Olympic hockey Gold Medal Games?
Yesterday, during the 2nd period break, Canadiens with a 3-1 game lead and a 3-0 series lead….
Note Friedman’s last statement.MacLean: "It's a good thing that they (refs) look good, because Francois St. Laurent would not have been a popular choice for the Tampa Lighting in that game, it was almost like they were responding to Jon Cooper's cavalier way he said they would like a do-over."
Friedman: "Are you saying… the French referee thing?"
MacLean: “Absolutely! Why would you tempt fate?! I thought it was a risqué assignment… YOU DON’T THINK SO ELLIOTT??"
Friedman: “It’s it’s it’s just that I think that… y’know what? I just think it’s it’s a tough thing to say… uh uh… like I’ve heard it, and I.. I… I’ve heard those kinds of accusations and I’ve heard that kind of thing before... I just think to lable all the referees that way is really unfair.”
MacLean: “Well y’know when Ken Dryden’s report on the Moncton Bleus explosion on Prince Edward Island ((20 years ago, 5 French-Canadian hockey players attacked a referee resulting in criminal charges and the university’s hockey program being shut down)) that is ultimately what he said: The temperature ratchets up so high in the playoffs; be careful what you wish for when you… don’t even present that possibility… it’s worth thinking about.”
Friedman: “So you’re saying there should never be a French referee in Quebec.”
MacLean: “Just this time. Just after what had happened in Game 3.” (French ref made questionable call)
Friedman: “They ARE pre-scheduled. I think the first 4 games are pre-scheduled.”
MacLean: “It’s uh, y’know what, it’s pro hockey, and you’re gonna say they're above that, and they are… but the league shouldn't have done that."
Surely a 28-year-sportscaster, Level-5 referee knows the first 4 games of each series are pre-scheduled!
Obviously then, his “after what happened in Game 3” comment means he thinks that…
If one French ref (Charron) is perceived to be biased, the NHL should yank ALL French refs for the next game
(St. Laurent was the Game 4 ref MacLean was questioning).
Someone should ask MacLean if he thinks all Ontario-born refs should be yanked if the opposing coach subtlety suggests bias in a game against the Toronto Maple Leaves in Pigtown.
And if he has changed his stance on perceived bias in a case such as CANUCKS vs Auger.
LOFL at MacLean invoking a gangbang attack on a ref in a university game 20 years ago!!!
*ahem*
Ummm get some help Ronald...