Outsports Discussion Board > Minor league player suspended for "Euro" slur

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Joe in Philly

Feb 3 2004, 08:41 PM

Found this in the paper today...note the area I've emphasized in bold...

QUOTE

OHL player suspended for slurring Flyers prospect
Associated Press

PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Plymouth Whalers defenseman James Wisniewski has been suspended for five games by the Ontario Hockey League for using the word \"Euros\" during a game.

During Plymouth's 7-4 loss Friday to visiting Owen Sound, Flyers prospect Stefan Ruzicka challenged Wisniewski to a fight, and Wisniewski reportedly responded by saying he did not fight \"Euros.\"

The comment was overheard by a linesman. Wisniewski, Plymouth's captain, received a gross-misconduct penalty.

Ruzicka, a right winger, was a third-round pick by the Flyers in last year's draft. He is a native of Nitra, Slovakia. Wisniewski said he didn't think he was being insensitive, and Plymouth coach Mike Vellucci agreed.

\"I don't think he meant it in a harmful way,\" Vellucci told the Detroit Free Press.

Ted Baker, the OHL's director of hockey operations, said the league does not tolerate comments directed at players based on their origin, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Baker said there was no opportunity for Wisniewski to appeal.

\"It was a transgression,\" Baker said of Wisniewski's comment. \"I'll leave it to others whether it was major or minor.\"

Cattledog

Feb 4 2004, 06:51 AM

This is interesting because it is such a different situation using a "slur". I just asked two Europeans in my office (one from Spain, the other from the Czech Republic) if they found this term offensive, and they both looked at me oddly and said "no". They both said individually, "I am European, and proud of it". In other words, they didn't find the term "Euro" offensive. They equated it with calling me a "Yank" or even an "American". They said that maybe the British might be offended by such a term, but not on the continent. The only that does bother me about James Wienieski is that he is employed by a North American team, and I assume has no problem fighting North Americans. I don't think that a hockey player should discriminate between who he will or will not fight based upon someone's country of origin. When Wienieski is on the ice, he is a Plymouth Whaler, and the other team is the team you are trying to beat as an employee of the Plymouth Whalers.

Adam

Feb 4 2004, 09:44 AM

One of the people I work with is from Russia; whenever someone mentions that he's European, he smiles and says he's not "a Euro, I'm a Rooski." Did Wisniewski explain why he doesn't fight Euros?

~Adam

Marc

Feb 4 2004, 10:47 AM

First, let me just say this is the first time I've ever heard a unit of currency being used as an insult

Of course, living where I do I might be vulnerable to being called a 'loonie'...

I suspect what Wisniewski really meant was that, in his small mind, European players are not as 'tough' or 'macho' as North American-born players. Thus Euro = wuss, pansy, etc. This is a tiresome stereotype that was long perpetuated by the likes of Don Cherry, implying that a player can't prove his 'manhood' or even his ability until he beats up another player. But I think many European players quickly learn that fighting is (regrettably) more acceptable in the NHL. In fact, the dubious 'honour' for the most major penalties in the NHL this season belongs to Krystoff Oliwa (born in Poland) of my Calgary Flames.

Joe, regarding sexual orientation, I think this is because the Ontario Hockey League would be required to comply with human rights legislation in Ontario, a province which banned discrimination against gays and lesbians many years ago (long before Alberta did!)

Cattledog

Feb 4 2004, 10:55 AM

QUOTE

Marc:
First, let me just say this is the first time I've ever heard a unit of currency being used as an insult

So, if I compared you to the Canadian dollar, you wouldn't feel of less value to me?

Trevor

Feb 4 2004, 02:31 PM

I'm sure marc would be fine being referred to as a Looney.

Trevor

phillyrunner

Feb 4 2004, 09:47 PM

QUOTE

I suspect what Wisniewski really meant was that, in his small mind, European players are not as 'tough' or 'macho' as North American-born players. Thus Euro = wuss, pansy, etc.

On the other hand perhaps Wisniewski was afraid he would be beat by Ruzicka just like the Greenback which is currently taking a beating against the Euro.

[ February 04, 2004, 08:48 PM: Message edited by: phillyrunner ]

DestinyRules

Feb 5 2004, 05:53 PM

[quote]phillyrunner:
[QUOTE]
I suspect what Wisniewski really meant was that, in his small mind, European players are not as 'tough' or 'macho' as North American-born players. Thus Euro = wuss, pansy, etc.[/quote]That's what I'm thinking it is. It seems to be a bit of a reach by the OHL but I'll take what I can get.

Then again, can I use "not worth a Continental" as an insult?

Marc

Feb 6 2004, 12:56 AM

(Re: the above, actually phillyrunner was quoting from my earlier post)

Cattledog and Trevor, I don't mind being called a Loonie. I've been called worse. Just don't go around telling people I'm only worth 75 cents in 'real' money. wink

Feb 6 2004, 07:11 AM

Maybe they felt it was short for Euro-trash?

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