In another example of his inability to leave well enough alone, former Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas has alienated more of his fan base with another infamous Facebook post.
With four simple words Thomas aligned himself with an embattled Chick-Fil-A President Dan Cathy after the fast food executive came out with some strong statements against the legality of same-sex marriages.
Everybody thats ever enjoyed a Chick-Fil-A sandwich knows about the companys strong beliefs in religion over commerce. They are the only major fast food chain thats 100-percent closed on Sundays despite prominent placements in mall food courts all across the country.
Thomas Facebook post simply said I stand with Chick-Fil-A.
Of course, it would have been much less controversial if Thomas had posted I stand with Chick-Fil-As waffle fries and then called it a day in the Colorado bunker with a can of Spaghettios.
Never mind the rhetoric-laden argument whether supporting the sanctity of traditional marriage is the same as spouting hate about homosexual couples seeking to enter into same-sex unions. Thats a different argument for a different day, and a much longer column.
But Cathy actually called those that go against the traditional idea of heterosexual marriage as prideful and arrogant to think that we would have the audacity to redefine what marriage is all about.
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Those are strong words and highly critical of those that believe any able-bodied, in-love adults should have the right to a legal marriage.
In the world of Cathy and Thomasand those of the same mindseta gay or lesbian couple shouldnt have the right to enter into a marriage recognized by the government, the church or their friends and families. Thomas remarks, of course, sparked plenty of discussion, rancor and even pushed some Bruins fans off the fence from supporting the Conn Smythe-winning goaltender.
Its taken some time, but as the weeks go by realization seems to be setting in for many things around Thomas.
The 38-year-old made the choice of personal politics over his teammates in the middle of last year during the teams White House visit, he whisked his family out of the Boston right around the same time and then deserted the Bruins at the end of the season to refocus on friends, family and faith.
Part of the reason the Bruins arent able to do anything this summer is because they cant move the 5 million rock that is Tim Thomas cap space.
But through all of these things most still supported Thomas after he was the main driving force that brought the Stanley Cup back to Boston for the first time in 39 years. Some even held to the amazingly misguided belief the Bs goalie would one day return to the team when he was done with his journey of self-discovery in Colorado.
But it appears that the truth is finally sinking in as Thomas continues an unflattering self-illustration on his Facebook account. Some finally dont like what theyre seeing as the goalie pulls back the curtain behind the Wizard of Oz.
We already knew that Thomas is a Tea Party supporter, somebody that thinks the Greenhouse Effect is a conspiracy for companies to make money through the green movement. Now were acutely aware that he doesnt believe in same-sex marriages. Some will say hes merely supporting traditional marriage and upholding the good word of the Bible, but then again some people still dont want to connect all the dots.
Perhaps the best take was that of Patrick Burke from the You Can Play project, who has argued vehemently, passionately and eloquently for the rights of LBGT athletes in sports over the last year. Burke met with Cam Janssen after his controversial, insensitive comments toward the gay community on the radio several weeks ago, and both athlete and activist came to a greater understanding on the issue.
Tolerance, love and understanding won out over hatred and ignorance. Thats the way it should always be in an ideal world where two adults should be allowed to pronounce their love for each other to the world.
Burke wouldnt comment on the Thomas post, but instead pushed media, fans and members of the hockey community to focus on Bruins players Zdeno Chara and Shawn Thornton. Chara took part in the You Can Play project supporting gay athletes when it first was born during last years All-Star weekend in Ottawa, and Thornton has been outspoken in his theoretical acceptance of any future gay teammates.
What isnt acceptable?
Its hard to understand people that continue to blindly support Thomas because he was a great hockey player or because he brought a Stanley Cup to Boston. Nobody is saying Thomas is an evil person because of his political beliefs, or that he shouldnt have the platform to spout his beliefs-based agenda.
But hes also far from heroic or great.
The once-unanimous support for Thomas is eroding in the Boston area as he alienates one group of people after another, and people are starting to get tired of his act. Just a year ago Thomas was a folk hero that could do nothing wrong in the eyes of just about everyone living in Boston.
But his rigid belief system combined with his unwillingness to ever play for the Bruins again are finally waking people up from their unwavering allegiance to the United States of Tim Thomas.
Better late than never as people continue to understand what he is all about when he starts speaking about the real world rather than stopping pucks.