Homecomings take many forms, as we saw last night in Toronto and Ottawa.
In the nation’s capital, the Ottawa Senators faithful showed just how they felt about former Captain Brady Tkachuk as he brought his new team (the Florida Panthers) north of the border.
Tkachuk was viciously booed throughout the game including during his video tribute with several chants and signs featuring slogans not suitable for me to say on the air without being fined or worse myself.
Contrast that with Kawhi Leonard’s debut with the Raptors last night, his first game in a Toronto uniform since he left the team following their championship run in 2019.
Despite leaving the team for the bright lights of L.A., there has been no hangover at all for Toronto fans, who have been excited about his return and have showered him with applause and adoration, with last night’s 43-point win raising spirits and hopes of another championship.
Both players left and both came back but the difference was night and day for many reasons.
First, Kawhi was wearing a home jersey again after choosing the Raptors over all other teams saying he only wanted to play in Toronto.
Tkachuk requested a trade, making it clear to team officials that he wanted out despite having two years left on his current deal and being team captain for five seasons.
In my opinion, last night was the appropriate response for both players. There was applause for the one who brought home a title and has chosen to return, and disdain for the one who rejected the community that had loved and cheered him for years.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
