From the Ann Arbor Chronicle: A new wrinkle in Johnson v. Lombardi
Now maybe I just haven't been paying attention (which I don't think is the case), but this is the first time I've seen this detail of the Johnson/Lombardi saga in print:
The Ann Arbor Chronicle " Column: Values Before Victories
But when the player who inspired Lombardi’s remarks, Jack Johnson – a former Michigan star who now plays for Lombardi’s L.A. Kings – heard about them, he told his coach he wasn’t getting dressed for their home game that night until Lombardi came down to apologize to him in person. Lombardi did just that, 15 minutes before warm up, and Johnson got dressed. You’ve got to admire Johnson’s conviction. He’s a great player, but Lombardi can send him any time he wants to any team he wants, including the minors. Johnson’s courageous stand, with little to gain and a lot to lose, tells you something about the kind of players that Michigan’s coaching staff develops.
The fact that this guy thinks Lombardi can send JJ to the minors makes me kind of doubt the whole thing. (Note to columnist: Johnson would have to clear waivers, which means he would pretty much instantly become property of the Edmonton Oilers, currently the worst team in the league and therefore first in line at the waiver buffet.)
But I would love to get clarification on this. You know, if there's someone out there with sources who knows things.
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It's a scene from the TV movie of Jack Johnson's life
still, I’m fascinated. (I grew up in Michigan; it’s its own reality)
Wait till this year.
I call shenanigans...
… because I don’t really see it as something DL would do. Apologizing to a player for something he said is one thing. But when a player thinks he can call the GM on the carpet instead of t’other way around, well… I don’t think that fits DL’s definition of a character guy, a guy who considers the team before his individual stuff.
In fact, it’s basically mutiny. And I don’t think TM would put up with it either.
What gets me, though, is that this columnist seems to cite the story approvingly, as if threatening your boss just because your precious feelings were hurt was a good thing!
Another reason I call shenanigans:
It’s been days now, and we’ve had no reports of TM yelling at Johnson, “Don’t you sass back at me, young man, or I’m sending you to bed without your supper!”
Ann Arbor Enquirer
The way I heard it first — from the friend of a friend of a friend who was there — was that JJ wanted Deano to apologize for calling him a “thoroughbred”. He took it to heart, was insulted to be compared to a four-legged animal that runs in circles and makes funny noises.
Then someone else said it was actually it the “rover” comment. You know, likening him to a stray dog, or something.
(JJ’s a wolverine, after all. You don’t mess with that.)
Ultimately unnamed sources, of course. But reliable. Trustworthy. Impartial. Objective. No axes to grind. No audience to pander to. Take my word for it.
Go Blue!
i'll show you my butt tattoo if you'll show me yours
If Jack Johnson comes to Carolina… I will not attend another game here in Raleigh!
To hell with that guy and his psycho father!
Hopefully he will find his place in the KHL some day….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 31, 2010 12:51 PM PST up reply actions

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