I’m sure you’ve heard of the incident involving Elias Pettersson and Florida’s Mike Matheson. Long story short, Matheson illegally slammed Pettersson to the ice after a check, which resulted in Pettersson leaving the game and being diagnosed with a concussion.
Matheson was dealt a two-game suspension and will be eligible to return this weekend. Pettersson has given hope to a Canucks team that was projected to be one of the worst teams in the league. The young forward has wowed the league with his skill and is an exciting player to watch. For the next 7-10 days, or potentially longer, Pettersson will be out of the lineup.
Everyone in hockey knows how serious concussions and head injuries are. We’ve witnessed more and more research about how the brain gets impacted with concussions and it’s not something to be taken lightly.
And then there’s Calgary radio host Eric Francis.
Leafs-free radio continues on the EFShow on @Sportsnet960 with a chance to win two tix to Thursday’s Pizza Pigout. Name the finishing move Matheson used on Patterson and best ones get tix. Send me the answer on Twitter. Creativity counts
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) October 15, 2018
Want the chance to win two tickets to Thursday’s Pizza Pigout? All you have to do is name the finishing move Matheson used on Pettersson. Best name gets free tickets. Of course, creativity counts.
As one can expect, it wasn’t well received.
That’s dark
— Jason Botchford (@botchford) October 15, 2018
Seriously ,
Who the Hell Makes Fun on a Kid Getting His Head Smashed to the Ice ? Douche Bags in Calgary Obviously #Scrubs , Bet You Would Be singing a Different tune if it was Little Johnny or would you find humor in that too? #Canucks #EP40— BurrowsGirl (@CYochmans) October 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/SeanGor07663283/status/1051897126207119361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1051897126207119361&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportbibeln.se%2Fhockey%2Fradioprofilen-hanar-elias-petterssons-hjarnskakning-nu-mots-han-av-canucks-fansens-vrede%2F
Imagine having such a low IQ that you think a teenager getting a concussion is something that you should laugh about on your radio show. You're a piece of garbage @EricFrancis https://t.co/UdEh9QN8UZ
— Miguel (@strombone99) October 15, 2018
You know it’s a bad comment when former NHL’ers chime in. Daniel Carcillo, who has dealt with concussions and the long-term effects of head injuries pointed out that glorifying a brain injury isn’t something we should be doing.
Glorifying a brain injury…..Keeping things classy @EricFrancis & @Sportsnet960 Furthering the league of denials @NHL archaic rhetoric on head hits in the game of hockey will only continue to put kids & youth at risk. #MentalHealth #TBI #concussion https://t.co/5siqAFAJRm
— Daniel Carcillo (@CarBombBoom13) October 15, 2018
Of course, Francis apologized for the tweet. Let’s be real, Francis knew what he was doing and he is only apologizing because he was called out.
It’s clear my attempt at humour w regards to the hit on Elias Pettersson was in poor taste. I apologize. I met him in Van & was impressed w him as a person & player. It sickened me to see the aftermath of the hit. Concussions are not to be made light of. I hope he’s okay. My bad.
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) October 15, 2018
Francis mentions Pettersson how he was impressed both on and off the ice, as well as him stating that he was sickened by the whole ordeal.
It’s funny how Francis chimes in on the play after he gets roasted by social media. I believe he would not have commented further if he did receive any backlash from the tweet.
His apology was not well received, either.
There is nothing funny about brain injuries or mental health/illnesses. I will leave u be. From the above half hearted apology, it sounds like u have been addressed by ur superiors. If u would like to continue to bash me on air, have some respect & invite me on next time ✌?️
— Daniel Carcillo (@CarBombBoom13) October 15, 2018
I'm sorry I'm a piece of sh*t and my employer made me apologize pic.twitter.com/gJOHKEnHay
— Phil LeMuff (@PhilLeMuff) October 15, 2018
@EricFrancis What an astoundingly classless & tasteless thing to do, make fun of a nasty take-down of a young skilled player. Sickening attempt at humour. Your apology is warranted but a little late…like 5 hours. Not sure it will save your job though. @Sportsnet @Canucks
— Bruce Cameron (@roitweets) October 15, 2018
Maybe he will think twice before he tries to give away tickets based on a young professional receiving a concussion.
