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Did a Toronto radio host use a homophobic reference to describe Cody Franson’s play?

Nashville Predators v Colorado Avalanche

DENVER, CO - MARCH 31: Cody Franson #4 of the Nashville Predators warms up prior to facing the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on March 31, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. Rinne had 27 saves as the Nashville Predators defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-2. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

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When the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Cody Franson from the Nashville Predators it was hailed as a great move by Leafs GM Brian Burke and a solid addition to the Leafs lineup. After all, Franson is a younger player and a blue liner that plays with offensive skills. While the Leafs have physical defensemen in the lineup like captain Dion Phaneuf and Keith Aulie, Franson will be able to help them score goals.

Toronto AM 640 host Bill Watters in talking about the acquisition of Franson, however, had a different way of discussing Franson on the air and Leafs blog Pension Plan Puppets is doing their part to point out how crass it was. As for what Watters had to say on Franson, it may seem innocuous on first glance, but it’s possible there was a darker meaning to it all.

“Well, I’m at a loss. The only… you’ve got to look through his statistics, he’s got some offensive flair, he is not what you would call a rugged, truculent, testosteronic, guy… He’s more of a 3rd of July parade guy. He likes to enjoy the good life and I don’t, I just can’t put a reason behind why you’d give up on a 6’5 defenceman with offensive skill unless he’s just a bit too soft.”

If you’re wondering what parade went on in Toronto on July 3rd, that was the Gay Pride parade. The same parade that Leafs GM Brian Burke participated in in honor of his son Brendan. Now you see why this statement could be a lot more foolish.

At Pension Plan Puppets, they’d like answers and they’d like to know what Watters meant by what he said. Watters has not responded to them but the site is making their case very clear and Burke’s involvement in supporting gay rights is at the center of it.

If Watters intended this as an anti-gay slur, it is unacceptable. Leafs fans haven’t had a lot to be proud about over the last few years as far as on-ice matters are concerned, but off the ice, the Leafs organization has given us several reasons to cheer. The Leafs have been at the forefront of the developing movement to confront and eliminate homophobia in hockey.

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Burke’s commitment to fighting homophobia and intolerance, particularly since the death of his son Brendan, has been truly inspiring. While we would like to think that the organization would reconsider their relationship with AM 640, “the home of the Leafs” because of something like this, we realize that will never happen. These contracts go to the highest bidder, and every penny counts (especially if we’re going to buy more Cody Fransons). Moreover, we don’t know if Watters reflects the views of the station’s ownership.


If Watters meant what it seems like he did with his phrasing, he’s flat out wrong for describing a player in such a way. It’s careless, pointless, and needlessly hateful to say things that way. Playground insults borne out of cruel beliefs have no place in the media. If Watters meant something else by what he said, he’d be better served to clear the air and explain himself.

Given how the Toronto media likes to act out, however, we’re not expecting anything to come of it. After all, when Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun went after and “deeply offended” Brian Burke for going to Afghanistan to visit Canadian troops on the day NHL free agency kicked off on July 1, nothing came of that other than Burke being especially cold towards Simmons in press conferences. It’s tough to make your mark in Toronto media and to do what it takes to get ratings or readers, but if Bill Watters opted to take a potshot at a new player in such a foul way... That’s unnecessary and wrong.