Monday, February 4, 2008

Simon The Barbarian Role Model


The stupidity of humanity continues to amaze me, even after years in media.

There are eight games remaining in Chris Simon's 30 game sentence after his latest indescretion, trying to slice Jarkko Ruutu's achillies with his skate blade.

So what has Simon the Barbarian been up to, you may wonder? Well let me tell you!

He has been talking to kids. That's right, the guy who is seeing league-mandated, mandatory counciling is going out and giving his knowledge to children. Apparently, the Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Phil Fontaine invited Simon, a "aboriginal role model" to deliver a speech at the Manitoba Youth Centre in Winnipeg.

Gordon Sinclair Jr., a columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press, wrote a piece on it here - a must-read. Sinclair asks you to "suspend your judgement" while you read his account of the trip by Simon.

Sinclair sums things up thusly:
I don't know what you think of Chris Simon now.

But I'll tell you what I think.

He flew all the way from New York to be with some kids and share his triumphs and painful struggles.

Kids a lot of Winnipeggers wouldn't walk across the street to talk to.

Ok, so that means that Simon, in his attempt to salvage some iota of his image, went on a PR run for the Islanders, and is a good guy to talk to the young aboriginals because the people of Winnipeg are racists.

Oh yeah, what a good guy. He can come on over, date my sister and kiss my kids (if I had any of either). Are you kidding me? While I applaud his ability to remain sober, that just means that he doesn't have an excuse for his actions other than the fact that he is just insane.

Supporters may say that Simon made the trip willingly (as Sinclair did), but the Islanders immediately put the link on their site here, titled "The Chris Simon We All Know" and had it on the front page.

Oh really? So the Chris Simon who did this and this isn't the real Chris Simon? Yeah, ok. I subscribe to the dictum to not judge a book by its cover, but once you look inside that book and read the story, you really should have a good idea.

So here it is, tell me if there is something redeeming here (barrowed partially from Fanhouse):

December '08 - 30 games for Kicking
March '07 - 25 games for a Stick attack against Ryan Hollweg
March '04 - 2 games for Kneeing
Jan. '04 - 2 games for Cross-checking
April '01 - 2 games for Elbowing
April '00 - 1 game for Cross-checking (playoffs)
Nov. '97 - 3 games for Alleged racial remarks against Mike Grier.

The Isles, who have struggled mightily to get bodies in the Mausoleum, have to justify having a criminal return to their lineup (on Feb. 20 vs Washington) so they resort to that pathetic spin. It's understandable, but I wouldn't hang my hat on people actually believing this garbage.

Then again, as I said before, the stupidity of humanity continues to amaze me so who knows ... ?



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 Simon The Barbarian: A Role Model for Resilience and Redemption



In the world of professional sports, certain athletes rise above the rest not just for their prowess on the field but for their inspiring journeys and their ability to overcome adversity. Chris Simon, affectionately known as "Simon The Barbarian," is one such figure who has left an indelible mark on the sport of ice hockey. His career was not without its share of controversies, but it is his resilience, redemption, and transformation into a role model that we will explore in this article. Join us as we delve into the life and career of Simon The Barbarian, addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) along the way.

Section 1: The Early Years

1.1 A Promising Talent

Chris Simon was born on January 30, 1972, in Wawa, Ontario, Canada. From an early age, his hockey talent was evident, and he quickly rose through the ranks of youth hockey leagues, showcasing his remarkable skills and determination on the ice.

1.2 NHL Entry and Early Success

Simon was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut during the 1992-93 season and soon established himself as a physical force, known for his aggressive style of play and scoring ability.

Section 2: Controversy Strikes

2.1 On-Ice Incidents

While Simon's talent and physicality made him a valuable asset to his teams, he also became known for on-ice incidents that drew suspensions and fines. These incidents, often involving aggressive actions and altercations, marred his reputation and led to questions about his role in the sport.

2.2 Personal Struggles

Off the ice, Simon faced personal challenges, including battles with addiction and personal issues that affected his career. These struggles added another layer of complexity to his journey, as he navigated the demands of professional hockey while grappling with his own demons.

Section 3: Redemption and Transformation

3.1 A Turning Point

Amidst the controversies and personal challenges, Chris Simon experienced a turning point in his life and career. He recognized the need for change and embarked on a journey of self-improvement and redemption.

3.2 Resilience and Second Chances

Simon's resilience and determination were on full display as he worked to rebuild his life and reputation. He sought help for his personal issues, which included anger management counseling, and committed himself to making amends.

Section 4: A Role Model Emerges

4.1 Inspiring Others

As Chris Simon's life transformed, he began to inspire others facing similar challenges. His story of redemption and resilience became a beacon of hope for individuals dealing with addiction and personal struggles, showing them that change and recovery are possible.

4.2 Community Involvement

Simon's commitment to giving back to his community and supporting charitable causes further solidified his role as a positive influence. He used his platform to raise awareness and funds for various organizations, emphasizing the importance of helping those in need.

Section 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

5.1 What were some of the notable on-ice incidents involving Chris Simon?

Some notable on-ice incidents involving Chris Simon included high-sticking infractions, slashing, and incidents of physical altercations with other players, which led to suspensions and fines.
5.2 How did Chris Simon address his personal struggles and addiction?

Chris Simon sought professional help, including anger management counseling, to address his personal struggles and addiction. He committed himself to recovery and making positive changes in his life.
5.3 What role did community involvement play in Chris Simon's redemption?

Community involvement played a significant role in Chris Simon's redemption. He used his platform to support charitable causes and raise awareness about addiction and mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of giving back.
5.4 What can we learn from Chris Simon's journey of redemption?

Chris Simon's journey teaches us about the power of resilience, self-improvement, and the potential for transformation. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, individuals can overcome challenges, make amends, and inspire positive change in themselves and others.


Chris Simon, known as "Simon The Barbarian," embodies the remarkable capacity for redemption and transformation that can be found in the world of sports. His journey from on-ice controversies and personal struggles to becoming a role model and source of inspiration serves as a testament to the human spirit's resilience. Simon's story reminds us that no matter how difficult the path, it is possible to overcome adversity, make amends, and positively impact the lives of others. He is a shining example of how an individual's darkest moments can ultimately lead to their greatest triumphs.




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