For too long, we have seen professional athletes acting like thugs and degenerates with domestic abuse, assaults, reckless driving, illegal possession of firearms, dog fighting, baby mama drama, showboating, and taking a knee. These are men we don’t want our sons to look up to. Thank God for hockey. Recently Washington Capital superstar Alex Ovechkin passed Wayne Gretzky’s record with the most goals. Gretzky was attending the games when Ovechkin tied the record and broke the record. Gretzky made it a point to be there when his record was tied and then beaten. In 1991 when Gretzky broke Gordie Howe’s record, not only was Howe there, but his wife Coleen was also there with Gretzky to celebrate his achievement. Gretzky has so much respect for Howe, that he wore number 9 on his suit coat!
And for Ovechkin’s accomplishment it was truly a family affair. Ovi had his wife, kids, mother and father-in-law on the ice. The Great One was also on the ice with his wife. Jennifer Jones presented Mrs. Ovechkin with a gift as Mrs. Howe did the same thing in 1991. Gretzky also had two of his sons at the game to watch their father’s record fall. And at the ceremony in Long Island, one of the first things Ovi did was to bow in Gretzky’s direction to give respect. During the speech, Ovechkin thanked everyone in the Capitals organization. And I mean everyone! When he did break the record, he said: “We did it!” He said it was a team effort.
With all the egos, showboating and antics, its good to see some class and dignity in professional athletes. Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin are two athletes I’d be glad my kids looked up to!
SEVEN FIVE RADIO 