In a great find by James Gordon of Hockey Capital, Ray Emery apparently has come forthand madecomments that depict himself as a victim of unfair media and public scrutiny. More interestingly, he draws a riveting comparison between himself and the Queen of Pop.
“It was like Britney Spears leaving her house. It was different. It’s the only sport in the city and people feel like they know you. It wasn’t fun to leave my house. I felt comfortable at home. Every time you get me in public, people were staring and you know what they were saying.” ~ Ray Emery, Douchebag
On the surface, it's easy to dismiss the comparison since the aforementioned Spears is a world renowned slut recording artist and Emery is some guy who couldn't regain his starting goaltending gig from Martin Gerber, even though John Paddock gave him every opportunity to capture the job. (And really, what's a better condemnation of Emery's career in Ottawa than this?) As crazy as Ray was/is, maybe there is some merit to what he says. So being the unbiased and intellectually stimulating website that we are, we've decided to look into whether there are any legitimate similarities in the respective careers of Emery and Spears
Without further ado.
Friends and Family:
To properly gauge the accuracy of Emery's comparison, it's important to judge both celebs on who they choose to surround themselves with.
With what we know, Ray Emery has typically enjoyed the presence of two former teammates -- Jason Spezza and Brian McGrattan. As recently as this summer, Ray Emery was a groomsman in Spezza's wedding. It wasn't long ago that Spezza was denounced by fans for his turnovers and neglect for defence. As a lightning rod for criticism, Spezza was often lumped into the same conversation as Emery when discussing late-night antics. However, given the public nature of his wedding and the way Dany Heatley has handled his trade request, Jason has come off smelling like roses. In fact, the Heatley request might have been the best thing to happen to Spezza' career.
Like Emery, Brian McGrattan is trying to rejuvenate his career himself.In the summer of 2007, Brian was dealt by the Ottawa Senators to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for a 5th round pick. After playing just five games with the Yotes, Brian pulled an Amy Winehouse and checked himself voluntarily into rehab and helped validate and rekindle some of the off-ice rumours that had perpetuated the Senators organization for the past four or five years.
Conversely, Britney's inner circle has consisted of family. Jamie-Lynn, Britney's younger sister, got her acting career started by riding the coattails of big sister in the movie Crossroads. After four years of starring in her own show on Nickelodeon, set a great example for her fans by admitting that she was pregnant at the age of 16. Pundits, who weren't from the state of Alabama, slammed her for glamorizing teenage pregnancy.
Perhaps more disturbing than her younger sister's pregnancy is the fact that Mel Gibson helped counsel Britney when she was going through a rough-patch. If you need a barometer of how rough things must have been for Spears, she sought the advice of an anti-semetic drunk.
After leaving a rehab facility less than 24-hours after she had herself admitted, Britney went to a hair salon the next night and had her head shaved. Consider it a classic case of having the drapes match the carpet.
Edge: Emery
Dealing With the Media:
"There was a lot going on in Ottawa, media-wise. There's not a lot of breathing room there. It was a welcome little vacation for me (in Russia)."
Was that a crack at Bruce Garrioch sucking the air out of the dressing room with each inhale? Poor form Emery. It's no surprise that Ray disliked the media here. Hell most Sens fans hate the media here. He often blamed the Ottawa media for exaggerating his off-ice behaviour and fueling rumours. That's not to say that Emery wasn't media unfriendly. He could portray himself to be candid and personable whenever the media had the word syndicated, televised or national preceding it. I think that's part of the reason why he loved making bi-weekly appearances on OTR featuring that mannequin of a host, Michael Landsberg.
But it wasn't just the partying or his fiery demeanour on the ice that sparked Emery's troubles. Emery, who is black, was repeatedly pulled over in his white Hummer by the police - he once said 30 times in two years. A senior citizen claimed Emery threatened to kill him in a road-rage incident. ~ Fan 960
In 2007, police were called to Spears' home because she refused to give up custody of her two kids to K-Fed. In a similar incident during the same calendar year, photographers captured Britney attacking a member of the paparazzi with an umbrella.
Edge: I'll give the edge to Emery. In the Spears situation(s), authorities were probably looking out for the best interests of the children. In Emery's case, they were looking out for the best interests of Gerber.
Future:
Unlike Spears, we won't be able to gauge the success of Enery's comeback until the 2009/10 campaign is over. We'll give him credit though, thanks to Michael Vick, Emery's no longer the most controversial athlete in Philly.
Edge:Spears on the basis that's she making hit records and got her body back. She also has two distinct advantages to aid her performance -- One, she can distract men and pundits with her breasts. Two, she can half-ass it by lip-synching while working. Ray can't even get away with half-assing it during practice.
Final Tally: 3-2 for Spears and it's not really surprising. The pop culture sex icon has more staying power and has tasted more success. As a proven commodity and regardless of her troubles, she's never been exiled to perform on the Juno's for a year. Emery should grow a set and quit comparing himself to Britney. She can handle TMZ. He can't even handle the Ottawa Sun.
emery = dick written by Chris Robinson , September 09, 2009
Emery's complaints that he was being targeted are hogwash. Apparently he was constantly bringing attention to himself because of various driving offenses. But I guess it's easier to blame everyone else than just admit that you were being a dick.
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ray emery is still a douche written by gordie , September 09, 2009
comments like these reaffirm my hate for the guy. doesn't sound like he has grown up much.
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Ottawa is Quickly Becoming "Stay Away" for Players written by Grinder , September 09, 2009
It is fine to take cheap shots at Emery (or Britney Spears, wtf - a new low for this blog?!...) whatever makes you feel like a big swinging dick, I guess. The reality is that most players would rather eat dog s#!t than live/play in Ottawa.
In fact, most Canadians who have any business with the NHL do everything possible to do that business in a US city... They quickly get the hell out of Ottawa and would only consider this city if there was no other alternative.
When the team was a Cup contender, it was a bit easier to sign the odd free agent who wanted a shot, but as a bottom feeder?! One agent told me he doesn't even expect the team to survive more than a decade if it falls out of the top ten. "All else being equal, nobody wants Ottawa" - his words, not mine. "When the team stops winning, the players won't want to sign there and the fans will drop the team and go back to cheering for the Habs and the Leafs".
Don't take my word for it? Ask Salo, Corvo, Commodore, Chara, Heatley, Emery, Bonk, et al... Of course, that is because they are all douchebags, right!? Hm...
Even Kovalev freely admits that he only took the deal because nothing else good was on the table. You can thank the CBA for him and for trapping Heatley here too.
The truth is that Ottawa is a small, cold, boring and dirty city. The people consider themselves to be educated (in the game), so they assume that it gives them some divine right to badger players. The press is rabid, rude and suffers from their own perceived superiority.
What does Brennan earn to spit out his crap?! - $30k per year?? (Check your ego at the door big dog...)
Even in real hockey markets like Boston, New York, Chicago, etc., players generally walk around without a hassle. Why then would anyone want to play in Ottawa, where a bad game generates all kinds of crap from fans who have nothing else to feed their obsession!?
Be honest with yourself for a minute. Pretend that you have millions in the bank, a great pension plan, medical coverage, etc... Where would you play. A shitty little hockey-crazed town like Ottawa, or a place like San Jose, L.A., or Florida, where you can enjoy your wealth and your down time a bit? Just a bit of food for thought - did Gretsky run back to Canada?
Emery is not an angel and I'm not really defending him, as much as I am pointing out the shitty attitude that this blog shares with most fans in Ottawa. We give ourselves the right to say and do whatever to the players.
So, call Emery a douchebag and Spears a slut, but the joke is on Ottawa.
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... written by Rob R. , September 09, 2009
@ Grinder...
While I agree with a few of your points, like the media being complete douchebags in Ottawa, I must disagree with your list of players who "wanted out"...
Salo, Corvo, Commodore, Chara, Heatley, Emery, Bonk, et al.
Let's take a closer look at that list...
Corvo wanted out, because he couldn't handle the scrutiny of playing in a hockey market. He'd have asked for a ticket out of Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver as well, I would imagine. He wanted to be the big dog, without being under the microscope.
Commodore wasn't offered anything. He probably would have signed in Ottawa, if they'd made him an offer. Same goes for Stillman, who said he'd like have liked to stay in the Nation's Capital.
Chara was allowed to walk by Muckler, who made a horrible decision in keeping redden over Big Z. He's still be here (wearing an 'A' no less) if Johnny would have made the right choice.
Emery was bought out by the team. He never had a problem with Ottawa until he was treated the way he was by the organization. I'll concede this point to you, as he obviously has a bad taste in his mouth because of the way Murray handled the situation. He could have signed just about anywhere after the cup run, but he CHOSE Ottawa as his home.
Bonk was a wash. The team has been way better off without him.
Which brings us to Heatley. Nobody knows what is REALLY going on with Heatley and what made him ask for a trade. You'd have to be seriously stupid to believe it's all because of a slightly diminished role, even though his production went up. Only Dany knows why Dany wants out, and unless you listen to rumours, you have no idea what's really going on with him.
Now that we've gotten that bit of business out of the way, I'd love to know why you think Ottawa is a "dirty city"... Ottawa is far cleaner than, say, Toronto, which is where I'm assuming you're from. Just because they don't have other teams to cheer for doesn't make the Sens' fanbase a bunch of rabid dogs. You're buying into the media hype a little too much. Most Ottawa fans respect the players, and want what's best for the team. They're passionate, that's for sure, but they won't turn on their team, like oh, say... Habs fans, when the going gets tough. Sure, some will, but that's true of any intense hockey market.
And do you really consider the Senators as "bottom feeders"? Seriously? Even with a horrible season by our standards, they still finished above .500 and above the Leafs. People are ONLY picking them to miss the playoffs this year because of the Heatley situation. Once that's resolved (which is WILL be) this team will pull a complete 180, and be back near the top of the food chain.
Today's rant is brought to you by Tim Horton's coffee - Always Fresh!
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Grinder written by Tim6thSens , September 09, 2009
A few things.
1. Do you really think Ottawa is unique with having a rude press corps? (I LOVE how you mention Boston as a city where players aren't hassled - ask Ted Williams about the legacy of the Boston media). Have you read the Toronto Sun? Have you read the NY Post? 2. Do you really think Ottawa is the only city with fans who consider themselves knowledgeable and are hard on players? At least we don't throw batteries at players in Ottawa. 3. Ottawa a dirty city? Seriously? I like to consider myself quite well traveled and one thing that I've come to realize is that Ottawa is one of the cleanest cities in the world. 4. I'm glad your agent friend also doubles as the Senators auditor and understands the team's finances and long term viability. Sounds like dude should have worked on Bay St.
I don't know if you're a Senators fan or not, it's hard to tel (maybe the reason why you read our 'typical Ottawa shitty fan' blog consistently) but at the end of the day you don't even know how to spell Gretzky. If we were such shitty fans, why would the both of us sacrifice countless hours writing a blog for the anonymous masses, without thanks, about our favourite hockey team? Maybe at times we dabble with a cynical mentality but it's not like were masquerading and towing the team line without question anything the Sens do (or do not do). At the end of the day, if you don;t like it, you really don't have to read it. There's plenty of other options out there in cyberspace and on the newspaper rack to find something that fits your needs. Hey - at least we're trying, what have you done?
Anyways, thanks for reading and taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
Rob - Great post. Just want to add that Bonk played 689 games for Ottawa. How badly could he have hated this city? And Salo? Dude was Mr. Glass. Unreliable, inconsistent and happened to really break out when he went to Vancouver.
Your case is really falling apart. Looks like the only thing we can agree on is the media leave a lot to be desired in this city.
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The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
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