Thanks for all the likes, and I appreciate the comments--including that of the one dissenter thus far, whose objection raises the question of what constitutes a "hero" (while reminding us that heroes have feet of clay). Many of you have reinforced my argument by raising other issues about Gretzky that I might have added to the "what would Walter think?" section had I not been in such a hurry to post: the irony of his Ukrainian heritage, his involvement with sports betting (which has had consequences for others close to him) and how that reflects a certain kinship with Trump, and the feelings of so many Canadians who were there for Wayne from childhood--assisting, supporting, and building him up on his way to stardom, celebrity, and, yes, hero status. It may be true, as one commenter put it, that we shouldn't place so much importance in the opinions of celebrity athletes. It's also true that Gretzky has the right to befriend whoever he wants. But your responses make it clear: when someone of his status tries to maintain the facade of apolitical neutrality, stubbornly clinging to a life-long strategy of trying to please everyone, while befriending as odious an individual as the current occupant of the White House, and refusing to account for it, they surrender any claim to good will or benefit of the doubt.
Canada has no time for a wannabe American and MAGA and his Trump-loving wife. No respect for Gretzky—may his name never be mentioned again. We have some true Canadian hockey heroes who wouldn’t sell out their country for a space next to the Orange Adolf. Old Walt must be turning in his grave.
“Wayne Gretzky was dragged into it, along with his actress-wife Janet Jones, on the eve of the Turin Olympics. But it was settled with little fanfare Friday as the former player, Rick Tocchet, pleaded guilty to promoting gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling in a plea deal that may spare him jail time.” Canadian Press May 24, 2006. This is when 99 fell from grace ………
Good on you Daniel Gawthrop! You laid it thick to the man who used to be known as The Great One. To some people he still is but to me, no. I will never support anyone who backs a crook/convicted felon or worse all that felons supporters - aka MAGA’ts!
Sorry Wayne, but I no longer have any respect for you (or Bobby).
Thank you for this very good essay - hard to see heros fall and betray, but very useful to dissect and try to understand the reasons behind the fractures and disillusionment.
I already lost my admiration for Gretsky over the fact that he promotes sports betting. I'm sure many do not agree, but does he need to exploit his fans with a potential gambling addiction?
The disappointment is deep, and frankly I think he is irredeemable. I will give him the benefit of the doubt and suggest this was not who he was at his core in the beginning, but it clearly now is.
When my husband was a child, he met Bobby Orr, his idol. A true Canadian hockey superstar. His wonderment with Orr lasted over 5 decades. Then the full page Trump endorsement and the star fell as hard as a sack of hammers. False idol! There are no souls in these people like Bobby and Wayne. It’s been sucked out by dementors.
Looks like Bobby and Wayne bought into the white male privilege thing and lost their empathy along the way. Feel free, gents, to give up your Canadian citizenships, and to return your "Order of Canada" awards.
Wow! So well stated. Thank you for the “great” read. An apology wouldn’t make any difference to me. I think he has turned into a shell of the man he once was. The Great One is gone.
I don't think any of us Canadians knew Gretzky... many were just in awe of his hockey prowess. He married a 3rd rate actress with little to no success and took on the fake persona of all that was/is Hollywood. People of integrity can't lose it... those who never had it can't fake it when push comes to shove. My dear, long departed, big time hockey fanatic mom predicted this behaviour of Gretzky's long ago while he was still Mister Superstar on the Oilers.
Beautifully written and spot on. I have lost all respect for Gretzky and seeing him at FOTUS celebrations was gut wrenching. How could anyone support and befriend such a vile human. People have said to keep politics out of hockey, but someone's moral values has nothing to do with politics.
Normally I wouldn’t care about any athlete’s views on anything outside their sport. But you Wayne are revered in Canada. You can’t say the bare minimum. I’m really disappointed in you even though I still don’t care about your politics.
Thanks for all the likes, and I appreciate the comments--including that of the one dissenter thus far, whose objection raises the question of what constitutes a "hero" (while reminding us that heroes have feet of clay). Many of you have reinforced my argument by raising other issues about Gretzky that I might have added to the "what would Walter think?" section had I not been in such a hurry to post: the irony of his Ukrainian heritage, his involvement with sports betting (which has had consequences for others close to him) and how that reflects a certain kinship with Trump, and the feelings of so many Canadians who were there for Wayne from childhood--assisting, supporting, and building him up on his way to stardom, celebrity, and, yes, hero status. It may be true, as one commenter put it, that we shouldn't place so much importance in the opinions of celebrity athletes. It's also true that Gretzky has the right to befriend whoever he wants. But your responses make it clear: when someone of his status tries to maintain the facade of apolitical neutrality, stubbornly clinging to a life-long strategy of trying to please everyone, while befriending as odious an individual as the current occupant of the White House, and refusing to account for it, they surrender any claim to good will or benefit of the doubt.
Mr. Gawthrop,
The original post was incredible, but I think I like your comment even better!
WTF Wayne, did you need money?
So do I, but I suddenly realize that I'm a Canadian Patriot.
Who knew lt?
It's been sleeping all this time.
Me and about 35 million others.
Come home........
Canada has no time for a wannabe American and MAGA and his Trump-loving wife. No respect for Gretzky—may his name never be mentioned again. We have some true Canadian hockey heroes who wouldn’t sell out their country for a space next to the Orange Adolf. Old Walt must be turning in his grave.
“Wayne Gretzky was dragged into it, along with his actress-wife Janet Jones, on the eve of the Turin Olympics. But it was settled with little fanfare Friday as the former player, Rick Tocchet, pleaded guilty to promoting gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling in a plea deal that may spare him jail time.” Canadian Press May 24, 2006. This is when 99 fell from grace ………
💯 percent agree
Good on you Daniel Gawthrop! You laid it thick to the man who used to be known as The Great One. To some people he still is but to me, no. I will never support anyone who backs a crook/convicted felon or worse all that felons supporters - aka MAGA’ts!
Sorry Wayne, but I no longer have any respect for you (or Bobby).
Thank you for this very good essay - hard to see heros fall and betray, but very useful to dissect and try to understand the reasons behind the fractures and disillusionment.
As one scribe said, Orr and Gretzky are rich and Trump is there to benefit the rich. They’ve long forgotten their humble beginnings.
I already lost my admiration for Gretsky over the fact that he promotes sports betting. I'm sure many do not agree, but does he need to exploit his fans with a potential gambling addiction?
Me too! So disappointed in that man.
The disappointment is deep, and frankly I think he is irredeemable. I will give him the benefit of the doubt and suggest this was not who he was at his core in the beginning, but it clearly now is.
I don't know that we will ever forgive him.
Well written. But I’m so sorry it had to be writtem.
When my husband was a child, he met Bobby Orr, his idol. A true Canadian hockey superstar. His wonderment with Orr lasted over 5 decades. Then the full page Trump endorsement and the star fell as hard as a sack of hammers. False idol! There are no souls in these people like Bobby and Wayne. It’s been sucked out by dementors.
Looks like Bobby and Wayne bought into the white male privilege thing and lost their empathy along the way. Feel free, gents, to give up your Canadian citizenships, and to return your "Order of Canada" awards.
It's fine for gretsky to support US prez. It is not fine to disrespect Canada NOR his ukrainean heritage.
FOTUS is a vile human. Supporting and befriending him is not okay!
It’s not okay.
Wow! So well stated. Thank you for the “great” read. An apology wouldn’t make any difference to me. I think he has turned into a shell of the man he once was. The Great One is gone.
I don't think any of us Canadians knew Gretzky... many were just in awe of his hockey prowess. He married a 3rd rate actress with little to no success and took on the fake persona of all that was/is Hollywood. People of integrity can't lose it... those who never had it can't fake it when push comes to shove. My dear, long departed, big time hockey fanatic mom predicted this behaviour of Gretzky's long ago while he was still Mister Superstar on the Oilers.
That was a great editorial. The thing that makes me equally mad, is seeing Wayne on all these bet ads during HHL hockey. He has fallen a long way.
Beautifully written and spot on. I have lost all respect for Gretzky and seeing him at FOTUS celebrations was gut wrenching. How could anyone support and befriend such a vile human. People have said to keep politics out of hockey, but someone's moral values has nothing to do with politics.
Normally I wouldn’t care about any athlete’s views on anything outside their sport. But you Wayne are revered in Canada. You can’t say the bare minimum. I’m really disappointed in you even though I still don’t care about your politics.
Good article thanks