570News - Gary Doyle

I don’t have any. You can stop asking.

As a father, I can’t imagine the pain the parents of those New Brunswick basektball players who were killed on the week are in. Devestating. Surveys from the beginning of surveys bear out the biggest fear of adults is the loss of a child. When I first heard of this tragedy, my mind went back to the Swift Current Broncos. On December 30th, 1986 the team bus left the TransCanada Highway east of Swift Current and four players were killed. The Marshall University football team, the soccer team that crashed in the Andes, the list grows. Our thoughts and prayers are in New Brunswick this week where familes will put on a brave face and say goodbye.

By that time, the OHL trading deadline will have come and gone and all the rumourists can return to their normal routines. I had the usual number of e-mails and coffee line questions today about what deals are the Rangers about to make? and Did they overpay for Steve Mason? You only get so many chances to win it all and the Rangers are leveraging to be sure they have the best shot at keeping the Memorial Cup in Kitchener. Will they make other moves. The rumourists insist it is so, but until the big man in the corner office says “deal” you’re better off focusing on your daily routines.

Rocket Roger might be better served by stifling the urge. The sure-fire Hall of Famer stands accused of injecting “rocket fuel” into his body, just like scores of other Major League baseballers. He went on 60 Minutes. He secretly taped his former trainer (his personal Judas) and played it for the media, but the more he talks the more mud he throws on the pile. May I suggest a “To Do List”?

1. Take the lie detector test (don’t say they are unreliable)
2. Stop calling the media together and then accuse them or sullying your name.
3. Don’t tape your phone conversations and then play edited versions publically.
4. Go away and wait. This too, shall pass.

Turn the page, put up the new calendar (first pick one of the thirty or so that got sent to me), wind the watch, take a deep breath and GO! After a two week respite, it’s hard to find the gas pedal again. Here’s hoping you took full advantage of family time and are ready to get ‘08 off to a flying start. See you at the finish line.