I seem to remember this came up last year, didn’t it? Wasn’t that when reporters were upset that Saku Koivu, Captain of the Montreal Canadiens, was taken to task for not speaking French while recovering from an eye injury after taking a stick under the visor? And wasn’t there a lesson learned in all of this? Apparently not.
From TSN:
Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu was on the defensive with the media again on Wednesday, and this time the issue was language.
The veteran forward from Finland was mentioned Tuesday by Quebec lawyer Guy Bertrand at provincial public hearings looking into reasonable accommodation for religious minorities. Bertrand was upset that during the Canadiens’ Oct. 13 home opener, Koivu, as part of a videotaped pre-game ceremony, introduced his teammates in English only.
“I have the right to be served in my language,” he said. “He has been playing for 12 years (for the Canadiens). He is married to a francophone. It demonstrates contempt for our language. It is not respectful.”
Obviously, a remark made by a man with nothing but respect for others. Aside from the fact that religious minorities must feel like their interests were being respected by this derailment, this is what if found offensive to lawyers in Quebec? Is this what a founding member of the Parti Québécois has to do with himself all day?
My favorite point comes from Robert at Eyes on the Prize:
Perhaps Bertrand is confusing the Canadiens with a publicly funded institution. While the Habs may be an institution in many minds, Betrand has little right to dictate to it in any form.
Well said.
Or how about this little tidbit, from The Gazette, when comparing Koivu and Bertrand:
Consider contributions to international understanding:
Koivu helps promote peace and understanding as a member of the International Olympic Committee’s athletes commission.
Bertrand defended (unsuccessfully) Rwandan hate-mongerer Léon Mugesera and, in the process, was censured for making anti-Israeli statements.
Wow. Nuff said? No, not quite. I’m so happy this is on YouTube. From the movie Canadian Bacon, when the economic differences between the US and Canada were a little wider. The good stuff starts in about 45 seconds in. Seems kind of familiar, doesn’t it?
Go to youtube to watch
6 responses to “Koivu Doesn’t Speak French, Plays Damn Good Hockey Though”
Hockey Players > Politicians
hahahaha!
Great post!
Saku Koivu has always worn his heart on his sleeve, and is the heart and soul of the team. Similar to what Naslund is to the Canucks, and Alfie is to the Sens.
Saku Koivu is just demanding for respect and he definitely deserve it for serving the team.
Saku Koivu is just demanding for respect and he definitely deserve it for serving the team.
Dont you think?
Being an athlete in a different country means one should learn how to communicate in their language. Not speaking to that language, in this case French, doesn’t necessarily mean disrespect though. But Saku Koivu should have consider the audience language.