Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (0)
It's what you do
Alright, I've nailed down this little process by paying attention to Washington's five major sports teams (Redskins, Nationals, Capitals, Wizards and United) over the past two-plus years.
If I'm disgruntled with a lack of playing time and/or my perceived role on the team, I shouldn't speak to the media after my team's final performance of the season, and -- even more deadly – I should follow that by removing the nameplate from the space above my locker.
Nothing says anger like a last name, paper and metal.
See, that nameplate is a tricky thing. Nobody would know I was upset and certainly no one would ever do anything about my beef if I didn't leave a bare piece of metal above my locker stall. Got it.
The most recent example of this came on Tuesday night.
Following his team's 3-2 loss in overtime to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 7 of the NHL's Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Capitals goaltender Olie Kolzig removed the nameplate from his locker and was long gone by the time members of the media were allowed in the locker room.
Last May, following Cleveland's sweep of the Wizards out of last year's NBA playoffs, center Brendan Haywood removed his locker's nameplate, presumably communicating that he was unsatisfied with his current situation.
Kolzig claims that he wanted to frame the small sliver as a memory of his time spent here, but I'm not buying it. With all the money Kolzig has made and everything he has accomplished during a career that has to be cooler than any of us could ever imagine, wouldn't you think there'd be something a little bit more memorable than his locker's nameplate? I know I do.
I know this isn't a huge gripe, but it's a fair question to ponder. What does removing one's nameplate truly signify?
Well, I'd love to come back and play for your franchise, but I'm sorry ... I've already taken down my nameplate.
In all fairness, Kolzig provided his keepsake theory and for that I'll respect it. Still, two players that play in the same building -- within a season of each other -- have now removed their locker's nameplates.
I think that's ironic ... and stupid.
Haywood responded nicely from last season's stunt, and he'll play a huge part for the Wizards this afternoon in their game against Cleveland. Here's to hoping that Kolzig does the same.
The last thing that we'd want is another nameplate issue.
You must be logged in to post a comment.