Marner under fire from Leafs fans for comparing players to "gods"
Already under heavy scrutiny from fans and media, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner may have uttered a poor choice of words when speaking with reporters on Monday.
With the Leafs cleaning out their locker rooms following Saturday’s Game 7 loss to the Boston Bruins, Marner was asked what it meant to be able to play for his hometown team.
“It means the world,” he said sincerely. “Obviously, we’re looked upon as… you know, kind of gods here to be honest. And it’s something that you really appreciate.”
“We’re looked up as kind of Gods here.”
Mitch Marner is hoping to stay in Toronto long-term, entering the final year of his contract ✍️
(via @TSN_Sports) pic.twitter.com/prpS0Dlge0
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 6, 2024
Despite intending to show gratitude through trying times, the second half of the 27-year-old’s response, particularly the bit about being treated like “gods,” seemed to have struck a nerve with Leafs Nation and the greater hockey community online.
Many Leafs fans were quick to express their disappointment, and even disgust, with the comment.
As a Leafs fan, I want to puke watching this.
— Mark Pilkenroth (@JusttheMark) May 6, 2024
🙄🤢, get over yourself Mr regular season.
— Dave Denike✭ (@dave_denike) May 6, 2024
However, one X user argued that Marner was correct in his assessment of the fanbase’s passion but should’ve refrained from using the analogy he did — especially right after a playoff elimination.
Haha I mean yes technically this isn’t wrong. Leaf players are idolized in Toronto and the media attention is wild, BUT you cannot say this outloud especially after the series you just had
— craig maz (@CraigMaz1) May 6, 2024
Meanwhile, others decided to craft their own memes and wordplay around the “gods” comment.
“Gods of getting eliminated in the first round”
— Mike (@Hockeytown_Mike) May 6, 2024
Mitch Marner rn: pic.twitter.com/cEGMmFCqz7
— Skip (@s_sprec) May 6, 2024
Maybe Mitchy should descend from the heavens and play some defense.
— Susan Costa (@SusanCo20990563) May 6, 2024
Mitchicus Greek God of Entitlement
— Derek Chatterton (@djchatt71) May 6, 2024
Some replies were, admittedly, pretty witty.
God rested on the seventh day.
Mitch rested during OT of game 7.— AT 🐊 (@ATGator) May 6, 2024
The comment has also fueled the fire of those who believe the Leafs are made up of individuals rather than team players.
The whole team is more interested in being “famous” than actually winning anything
— Ferner778 (@Ferner778) May 6, 2024
Unsurprisingly, rumblings that Toronto should trade Marner have also gained traction.
Trade him!!!!!
— John Sampson TM (@papa_Murfy) May 6, 2024
This is not going to age well …
— Yannick 🇨🇦 (@YanCRSF) May 6, 2024
He’s gone.
— Twaine (@RailroadedMI) May 6, 2024
Marner, who logged one goal and three points over seven playoff games this year, has one year remaining on a six-season deal paying him an AAV of $10.9 million. From the looks of things, he’d be interested in signing an extension as soon as July.
“That’d be a goal,” the Markham, Ontario native said of signing long-term. “I’ve expressed my love for this place, this city. Obviously, I’ve grown up here. We’ll start thinking about that now and trying to figure something out.”
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