Hull storms out of Team USA practice
Canadian Press
9/5/2004
ST. PAUL, Minn. (CP) - A winner of the World Cup of Hockey tournament has yet to be crowned but Brett Hull already is assured an award - Most Unhappy Player.
Hull, a healthy scratch for Team USA's win over Slovakia, showed up for practice Sunday to find he had been assigned the same green sweater as other Friday scrubs, and he didn't like it one bit. He left the ice 10 minutes before his teammates, again declined interview requests and was out of the Xcel Energy Center in a hurry.
The third-leading goal scorer in NHL history could not have expected to be a spare part in what is probably his last major international tournament for the United States, for whom he's performed beyond the call of duty. To say he's frustrated is putting it mildly.
``Got a minute to talk to reporters, Brett?'' Hull was asked in a corridor outside the dressing room.
``What would I have to talk about?'' he replied.
``Fans want to know how you're doing,'' said the reporter.
``I don't give a (deleted) about the fans anymore,'' said Hull.(Feeling's mutual (deleted)-Willow)
End of conversation.
A few minutes later, as Hull headed for an arena exit, he again was asked for a minute of his time. He just kept walking.
The 40-year-old scoring machine has filled reporters' notebooks with candid comments during his remarkable career, which makes his disdainful demeanour now all the more shocking.
``He shouldn't be happy about it and he's not,'' centre Doug Weight said of Hull's reaction to his diminished role. ``But you don't want a teammate who doesn't give two cares about being in the lineup or not, and he cares and he's upset about it.
``If he doesn't want to talk to (reporters) about it, that's part of it. It's part of our job, I agree. But it's (Hull's) right (not to do interviews), I guess.
``He's always given (reporters) plenty to write. He's done a great job performing that part of his job. If something's bothering him or if he doesn't feel like talking for a couple of days, I don't think that should, in a 20-year career, be something that's held against him.''
When the team got wind of Hull's profanity-spiked comment, further attempts were made by the media relations staff to get him to consent to an interview. He again refused.
Coach Ron Wilson was asked if he'd put Hull back in the lineup for a quarter-final elimination game Tuesday. He couldn't say that he would, adding lineup decisions will be made game day. That's not the vote of confidence Hull was looking for.
Wilson would look like a motivational genius if Hull scores a big goal and the Americans win Tuesday. Hull could then take the post-game podium and break his silence, smiling all the while. But if that doesn't happen, one of the greatest players to ever wear the red, white and blue will exit the international stage with a sour taste in his mouth.
The situation isn't harming the team, said Weight.
``He has done nothing to affect our chemistry in a bad way,'' said Weight. ``He has been fine.
``When he gets out there again, he'll still be the most dangerous player on the ice.''
Alas, there won't be a huge audience in the United States. Terry, who at about 550 kilograms is the largest pig in Minnesota, is enjoying more of the public's attention at the state fair than the World Cup is in these parts. No American channel carried the Canada-Russia game Saturday night.
U.S. general manager Larry Pleau went to a hockey pub to see if it had a CBC signal but, no, college football ruled.
Captain Chris Chelios, Hull, Brian Leetch and a handful of others have been U.S. teammates forever - or so it seems.
``We're a close group,'' said Chelios, 42. ``Brett and I are honoured, at our ages, to be part of this team.
``If I have to sit out or Brett has to sit out and if it's for the better of the team, so be it. We know Brett's going to be there for us if he's called on. Hopefully, we've got three more games and he'll be a part of it and get the opportunity to win a game for us.''
Hull wants that chance to let his stick do the talking.
Is this the real reason he doesn't play for Canada ..they really didn't want him?
7/11/01-1/23/03.
"This is America! And in America, if something sucks, you're supposed to be able to get your money back."-Stan Marsh
"Say what again! Say what again! I dare ya. I double dare ya mutha*****! Say what one more goddamn time!"-from "Pulp Fiction"
I'm the Weeping Willow,and I approve of this post
