The Lombardi-Michigan-Johnson story got fresh legs today when Johnson, after the morning skate, was met by a small pack of reporters. To refresh, Lombardi, in a recent interview, had harsh criticism for the University of Michigan hockey program and used it in describing Johnson’s progress as an NHL player. Johnson took strong exception to the comments and publicly lashed out at Lombardi as being “irresponsible and unprofessional.”
Here’s how the exchange went with Johnson today…
Question: Did you get a chance to talk to Dean?
JOHNSON: “I did, before the Buffalo game. I asked to see him before the game and, you know, talked to him about it then. I’ve spoken my piece about it. I don’t really have anything else to say about it, other than what I said. I think if you guys want any more comments, you should talk to Dean. He’s the one who made the comments.”
Question: Dean explained it by saying it was background information that was meant to compliment you…
JOHNSON: “(long pause) OK.”
Question: Kind of a backhanded compliment?
JOHNSON: “Like I said, I spoke my piece about it. I’m not going to say anything else about it. If there’s anything else to be said, it should come from Dean.”
Question: Do you feel like your relationship with him has been damaged?
JOHNSON: “Well, I don’t know. Like I said, I spoke my piece about it. That’s how I felt about it. I really don’t have anything further to say about that. If you guys want any other information, you can go to Dean.”
This story, it seems, is finally running out of steam. I haven’t changed my opinion of it since yesterday morning. Lombardi didn’t need to make the comments — regardless of their truth or whether or not he intended them to be “background” information — and Johnson, even if understandably hurt, could have taken the high road. No winners in this one.
On a more pleasant note, Johnson spent Friday night at the Michigan-Ferris State game (Michigan won 2-0) and afterward got to spend the night at his family’s home…
JOHNSON: “I went to see a couple close friends, family and former teammates, and went home for the night. … I got to sleep in my own bed. Really nice. You don’t often get a chance to go home during the year, so it was a nice chance for me to go home and see a lot of friends and get a chance to catch up with some people.”
I couldn’t be more tired of this story. Let me know when Jack gets traded.
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Reagrdless of what was said and how it was said, JJ is doing the right thing shutting it down. Let’s hope everyone else follows suit.
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Very glad JJ wisely didn’t bite on any of those questions… looked like they were all meant to get him to say something controversial or inflammatory. We’ll see what happens with him from here on out, but hopefully he’s motivated to play a solid game tonight.
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Ya, this feud is getting ridiculous, like Dean, if you want to trade him, then do it already, come on man. I love Jack Johnson, I think he’s a good fit for this franchise, but if Dean keeps saying things like this, it’s obvious that he’s bound to get traded away..
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I can see it now… JJ’s room at his parents house is preserved just as it was when he was 13… banners on the wall, pictures of Gretzky and Pamela Anderson, his little “ice rink” shaped bed, a hockey stick lamp, a puck night light, and of course, a mural of Michigan U hockey on the wall prominently displaying Red coaching.
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I got nothing. I’ve read that article a dozen times trying to figure out what DL was trying to accomplish. Light a fire under JJ to step up his game? defend JJ against the bashing he’s getting for his plus/minus rating? Setting him up to trade him off somewhere? Maybe this was DL’s version of “LEAVE JJ ALONE!!!” I don’t know. Maybe this has to do with a feud with him and Michigan? I just don’t get it. He either is the biggest fool for airing this in public, or maybe he’s taken his style from player/coach of the Charlestown Chiefs Reg Dunlap? Guess I’ll wait and see how this plays out. In the meantime, I’m hoping JJ goes out and plays like a man possessed tonight and makes Deano eat his words!!!
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The Kings have enough D in the farm system. They can use him as part of the trade to get a sniper.
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Hang in there Jack, most of us got your back.
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its gonna be hard for people to stop talking about it since we are in detroit tonight. i hope it does go away soon though. bad timing
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Damage Control. Dean did not have any business saying the things he said. That was not professional. I hope both have a “Come to Jesus” meeting…..
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Unfortunate comments. No longer is choosing Teubert over Myers Lombardi’s worst move as the King’s GM. The Teubert choice made some sense but this gaffe I’m sure Lombardi wishes he could have back.
I remember Hammond commenting that if you ask DL what time it is, DL tells you how to build a watch. So on the bright side, if ever the Goodyear blimp runs a little flat, VP Biden and GM Lombardi can fill in as hot air providers.
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There’s one piece missing to this puzzle…and that’s Lombardi’s response. In which he throws the original interviewer (Gann Matsuda) under the bus. DL is now shifting blame saying what he said was taken out of context. Absolutely ridiculous. Take responsibility for shooting your mouth off and stand by your words.
Here’s Lombardi’s response in full:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-elliott23-2010jan23,0,5491100.column
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Maybe Dean doesn’t like the look of that big Wolverine tattoo on JJ’s butt?
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JJ has been a bust, and the only thing that DL did wrong was trade Gleason for him. I really hope DL trades JJ already, whoever he pairs up with becomes a minus…
Also, JJ has no right to talk smack about DL; heck, DL is his boss, right?? I really like Deanno and his will to speak whats on his mind, whether or not he offends an immature player that hasn’t lived up to all the hype…
Basically, DL is admitting that he made a mistake by trading for him, simple as that
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Perhaps his struggles are less about his talent and more about not having the maturity to live on his own and take on adult responsibilites. Not every 22 year old is ready to be on his own and have the independence to live without your parents and Johnson has yet to stand on his own two feet. His reaction to the Dean Lombardi comments is reminiscent of a young adult who doesn’t yet have the ability to differentiate between valid criticism and a personal attack, regardless of how badly worded the criticism is presented. Maturity should provide him the ability to put his ego in check, accept his imperfections and commit to becoming a better player. Then he will likely look back and see Lombardi’s comments, although harshly worded, were bang on.
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Commenting here as well, to agree with “Wavesinhair.” Dean Lombardi is a big boy, he knew he was on the record, Mr. Matsuda is a very good reporter who does not make stuff up. Had Mr. Lombardi wished to go off the record for a few sentences, he should have said so and Mr. Matsuda would have honored that request…just as would Mr. Hammond or Ms. Elliott.
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From DL’s rebuttle in the link wavesinair posted:
“Lombardi was particularly barbed about Johnson’s poor defensive play in college and in saying Johnson reacted badly to criticism”
Looks like Jack proved Dean right again with his response yesterday….
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@Russ
No. We really don’t. Jack is proving Dean right through his reactions to his comments. Dean is just looking for Jack to utilize the same passion and dedication in his NHL game that he has in Michigan hockey. If Jack can’t take criticism and improve his game and find passion for this team, then what good is he? We need Johnson to reach a higher level, if he is unwilling to take the steps necessary to complete that goal, then he will not be a King for much longer…
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Its no secret that Johnsons development has been slower than the Kings had expected. However, the comments about Michigan and him being an “awful player” were not needed. Those statemants accomplished nothing. If he was so “awful” then why trade 3 players (including one young, tough d-man we could use) for him.
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True or not, DL’s comments are completely irresponsible. I would imagine that other King players are wondering today what the GM says about them behind their backs. A stupifyingly stupid move. If Anschultz actually cared about this teamm, he would let DL know this mistake cannot happen again.
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That’s a good point tantrum. And I’d think most of us would agree that what DL said about JJ is pretty darn accurate, albeit overly harsh.
However, now that DL is backtracking, like a politician on a campaign promise, it makes him look incompetent, if not stupid. And while I agree there will be no winners in this one, I think JJ comes out ahead.
There we were, many of us, thinking DL purposely wanted his thoughts on Michigan and JJ known to all. Thinking there must be some kind of method to his madness. We couldn’t have been more wrong.
And I, knowing full well DL loves to yap, for some strange reason, still believed there was NO WAY he would have said those disparaging things by “accident.” Regardless of what happens with Jack, DL blew it and made the Kings organization look bad in the process. This GM has embarrassed himself and the Kings. Great timing Lombardi!
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One more thing…good luck getting any other talent from Michigan to sign here !
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Uncharacteristic of DL to blast one of his key players.I still see DL as a victim here.JJ is doing the right thing leaving it in DL’s hands to deflect or escalate this story.I do not place blame on JJ or DL for what happened.If this causes a rift between JJ and the Kings the only thing that will upset me if anything is that DL got suckered into it.
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It’s interesting that he spoke to Dean before the Sabres game, having “said his piece”, but proceeded to tell Elliot after the game “For my general manager to rip me as a person and criticize me as a person and as a player and call me an awful hockey player is irresponsible and unprofessional.” That makes it seem as if his meeting with Dean before the game didn’t go so well, doesn’t it? Otherwise, I think his response to Elliot would have been more like his responses today.
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That should put an end to “Genius” myth.
He is a glorified scout.
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BTW, Waves, your first post above is hysterical!
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Dominick: Please explain how DL is a “victim” here. He is the GM of the team. He made some very negative and personal comments about one of his players while being interviewed. I don’t care whether his comments are accurate or not – you just don’t do business that way. It is bad enough that he may have created a permanent rift with Johnson, we can only hope that others on the team are not impacted by the boss reaming out one of their own in public. Sorry, I must respectfully disagree – DL is not in any way, shape or form a victim here. He is, instead, a smart GM who did a very dumb thing.
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I just wish he would speak his piece about it. On a side note. He’s been with the Kings awhile now and his own bed is in Michigan? How long until the bed he’s sleeping in in California becomes his own bed?
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@kings4queens
LOL. Yeah, I’m sure he meant his own personal house that he owns in Michigan, but that’s not the way I imagined it!
I can see him in bed, with his Wolverine jammies on, video game controller in hand, intently playing NHL10… and his mom comes in with fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk. “Ok dear, take a break and have a snack.” “Awe ma, do I have ta?” Jack says.
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No Waves, I think you are totally right. Rich said Jack spent the night at this family’s home.
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Hahahahaha! I think you’re right. That is soooooo funny. I bet he had a sleep over!
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Hey the truth can hurt all of us a bit but imagine our weaknesses being such public knowledge?? It’s part of the turf when you’re a pro athlete, JJ can take some responsibility for where he is at (and not at) as a player and certainly DL can be a bit more tactful or cautious too. Bottom line is, will JJ’s development pace pick up steam or not? Will he look to move on when his contract is up or want to stay? Only time will answer those Q’s, I just hope he “proves a point” tonight against the Wings..
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Couple of things:
Quisp had a great sendoff of MaDam# Helene, at SBNation…
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2010/1/22/1265068/gladys-kravitz-shows-why-shes-in
Everyone who thinks DL is a wimp for backing off on the JJ issue should remember:
a): JJ is an incredibly talented player obtained by DL and currently held by DL;
b): DL (despite rumors to the contrary) likely CARES about the way JJ feels.
While reading the ENTIRE INTERVIEW given by DL, it’s clear that DL did not hold his ‘thoroughbred’ responsible for the failings of his collegiate hockey education. He did/does hold JJ responsible for his pro hockey education.
Step it up, JJ! Make U of M proud, tonight!
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I have a great deal of respect for DL and the job he’s done with the Kings, shoot, I even wrote not too long ago how I would love to work for him, but he needs to put a cap on this one.
I, for one, could not figure out why DL would make such remarks, nonproductive in all areas. I feel better knowing it was back-room talk, not meant to get out…..but Mr. Lombardi, you need to make it clear to the interviewer that kind of stuff is off record…..
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It’s very seldom you hear this about a player from a GM in ANY sport. If nothing else, it lowers the player’s trade value, and how stupid is that for a GM? JJ is a good, hardworking player that will continue to develop and will be a star in the league. Only way I’d lose him is to get Kovalchuk (how bout JJ, Fro & a 1st round pick for 5 years of Kovi?). Remember, JJ WANTED to come to LA–if DL has personal animosity toward him, it should be discussed in private, not spewed out to some reporter trying to dig up controversy, as nearly all of them do. Makes them look like Woodward & Bernstein.
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As an aside, Rich, you are NOT one of those reporters who constantly wants to stir up controversy. You report facts and statements in a straightforward manner. You should probably be reporting on events in Washington DC rather than here, but we’re very happy you’re here.
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Rick,
You are absolutely correct.My take on this is regardless of wether the comments were on or off the record,they were said.The media spun it as an attack on JJ.Now like a pack of wolves their looking to escalate the situation and the only losers are us the Kingsfans.
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Looking back on all of this, I’m not so impressed with Matsuda’s judgement in printing some of those quotes. Maybe he doesn’t quite appreciate the responsibility that goes along with being a “reporter” in his position? It’s water under the bridge now, of course, but if I were DL, 1) there’s no way I would have expected some of those quotes to be on the record, so I’d probably feel betrayed, and 2) I wouldn’t give this guy the time of day ever again. What was supposed to be a story about JJ’s development ended up as something quite unfortunate for all sides, including us fans. Boo on Gann Matsuda! If other “reporters” aren’t careful, pretty soon it’ll only be Rich and Helene that anyone in the Kings organization will be allowed to speak to.
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I stand by what I added to the end of the previous thread.
Yeah, DL said something in an impolitic way. But y’know what? If you like having transparency in the Kings organization and a GM who will speak freely for the public record, you have to take the bad with the good. If you whine about it when maybe he says something the wrong way, you’re going to lose the good, too.
Be a grown up and deal with it. Cut some slack when it’s just Dean being Dean. Do you really want an ordinary GM who tells you nothing interesting and treats you like you might be a Soviet spy or something?
And if JMFJ is really that upset over it, he has to put on some big boy pants and grow up. Guess what? He’s not a Wolverine any more. He’s a King, and DL is paying him well to make that his primary loyalty.
Like Quisp, Bobby Scribe has a useful take over at lakingsnews.com this morning, and I absolutely agree with his conclusion: “It’s about some guy named Jack who used to play for Michigan. Who cares about that anyway.”
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This is really such a non-news item.
Lombardi gave what is IMO accurate background information about Johnson’s raw talent and also how he values JJ’s potential. He simply should have never mentioned his contempt for coach Berenson and the Michigan program. This is where I think Johnson over-reacted about his alma mater and took the program’s criticism personally. I don’t remember Lombardi saying anything critical about JJ personally which JJ inferred.
Even though Lombardi does his homework, has been in the game for a long time and knows it inside and out, there may be some things better left unsaid to a broader audience.
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well said Doug S
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I was very concerned when that whole issue appeared wrt to JJ’s father’s comments about playing in Russia. Well, now I don’t like at all the accumulation of events. I have a lot of respect for DL’s knowledge of the game and what he’s brought to the Kings, but really, why say something so unnecessary? …. and if it was supposed to be off the record, then you’re naive in thinking that the interviewer should just know that.
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Thanks for that link Waves.
I have to admit that DLs response in Helene’s article is indicative of a childish finger-pointer and does him no good with the press. If anything, it’ll make the press, Rich included, more careful with what they print. It will more than likely make DL more guarded with what he says now. Pretty bummed out that DL felt he had to react this way. Some integrity points lost here.
WE LOSE!
I believe information we would normally get may not be made public as much now. I could be overreacting, but the proof will follow.
All of this does not take the honesty out of DLs statements and JJ needs to take a serious look in the mirror at the kind of PERSON he is and if maybe there is something he can work on there.
I find it interesting that Jack was allowed to go home and sleep in his own bed. He’s on a 5 game road trip with his TEAM and he was allowed by DL (and TM) essentially to go home and visit his family when he could of had the restriction on him to stay close to the hotel. The game today isn’t exactly small in importance you know. Usually for important games like these, coaches especially like to keep players close to the hotel to prevent possible mishaps that could prevent a guy from playing. I hope JJ appreciates that freedom he’s getting at this moment.
Another angle about DL’s comments though: I’m thinking that while Rich said DL didn’t need to make the comments, I’m beginning to wonder if that’s true or not. Maybe JJ’s attitude is such that DL thought this was EXACTLY what needed to happen. I don’t think playing head games with your players is appropriate, but if they’re not responding to the right ways, and you want to keep him, maybe this is what you end up having to do. That being said, throwing Gann under the bus like that is flat out ridiculous. Would he have done the same to Rich if Rich posted this story? I think Rich and Gann should get together and see what kind of assumption should have or not have been made here as far as to what should be on or off the record. Does Dean reguarly SAY ‘This is off the record’ when he says something? Or is it something that would be implied based on a press relationship with DL that is learned. Maybe Rich might have some insight there that maybe Gann doesn’t. Really though, it’s on DL to mandate something as ‘Off the record’ They are HIS words and he should control them accordingly.
At least JJ finally took the high road, although not very gracefully it seems. I could tell that more if I actually SAW the interview though. Most important is the game tonight and the 2 points we NEED to walk away with.
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Although I’m inclined to cut Gann Matsuda some slack in that I assume that if DL really wanted those remarks off the record, he should have said something at the time. But otherwise, I agree with JPKelly.
A lot of people in the fan base overreacting to this, judging by the comments. If DL gets too much backlash over this, someone’s going to put a muzzle on him (or he’s going to muzzle himself) and suddenly, following the Kings will become a lot less interesting.
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I don’t think this will have any repercussions at all!
Little family spat – move on!
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jj is a big baby. I think DL has a lot of compassion for his players. After all he chose this road trip to reveal the truth about JJ and MI Hockey, knowing that JJ would be able to sleep in his own bed and sulk to his parents about his ego’s owie. Don’t worry JJ, mamma will bake you some cookies and make you feel better.
Trade the wuss already DL.
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I hope you’re right, dMan. And I think you’ll prove to be right. Like Frolov’s benching, a lot of people squawked at the time, but no one’s squawking now.
But I can’t help thinking…. If DL pulls back and stops giving these long, free-ranging interviews, we fans will lose a lot…. And bloggers like Gann will lose a lot…. And probably Rich, too, since Rich has done these transcribed interview stories in the past…. But I’ve never seen Helene Elliott do one, either because DL won’t talk to her at length, or more likely, because the Times still uses traditional newspaper format to the extent that she can’t do stories like that.
“Cui bono?” as the Romans used to say. Who benefits, if DL decides he can’t speak freely anymore? Or rather, who get hurts the least, because she could never benefit as much from it as other reporters?
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Geez Cynic, there’s no way I’m reading that small book! You’re pretty much on it Doug S, Belichick Deano is not! And I think we’re all pretty happy about that…
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Last year Lombardi threw Rich Hammond under the bus in the Williams deal controversy. This year it’s Gann Matsuda. Both reporters, in both cases, were doing their jobs. If there is a party here who is not doing his job, it is, in my opinion, the Los Angeles Kings General Manager who has some issues to deal with vis-a-vis relationships with the press, and by extension, relationships with the organization’s fan base.
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Didn’t DL come out with blast about Frolov’s lack of effort in the begining of the season to try to motivate him? I think this is DL’s way of seeing if there is a fire in JJ to be lit. The fact that it came before a game in Detroit was not an accident.
What does DL do in the future when the best player available in draft (or FA) is from UM?
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Sorry Ian- I write in novels sometimes. Just happens that way. I type fast.
QUISP- I just got to read your absolutely epic take on the original thread. (Talk about a novel! LOL) Incredibly well done man! Nice breakdown of what happened and I happen to hold the same belief on Miss LA Times. I sure hope Rich reads it. He has a lot of respect for Helene and He’s certainly not going to go public with a response to your article, but I think it would be cool for him to contact you directly about it and give you his take. He may not do that either, but it sure would be fascinating to get his perspective.
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He could have said “Deano apologized about the way it came out, and I appreciate that. I know now that he didn’t mean to be nasty, and despite what I said before, he didn’t attack me personally. Sometime’s Deano’s really blunt, and you have to take the good with the bad. I think Gladys sandbagged me, really.”
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What I’d like to believe happened is that Deano was paying Jack a back handed compliment in Deano’s (often) odd way. I’ve seen nearly everyone of Jack’s home games since he made his debut plus a bunch of road games over the past seasons and Jack has huge holes in his defensive abilities. God given natural talent, yes, but at times he’s made Peter Harrold seem like an All American. Now what Deano was saying was, I believe, that Jack, under Terry Murray has made huge strides in bringing his game up to the required standard. Jack is in my opinion one of those massively talented kids who gets told at every level he plays that he’s great (see Dion Phaneuf, another example). At the college level he gets to do what he wants, play the way he wants and be the star. Unfortunately that does not cut it at this level. Jack Johnson is not a top D guy at the NHL level and the stats don’t lie (-16 I believe). He might skate like Gretzky but he (mostly) defends like a very average 5th or 6th D guy. I’d rather have Quincy back, he offers more than Jack does on any given night.
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WRT http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-elliott23-2010jan23,0,5491100.column
He’s not a good hockey player right now. IMO, he should be getting a lot of mentoring he’s apparently not getting now (will he listen?) or he belongs in the minors (will he get bent and fail to improve?)
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WTFK- I vote for you as JJ’s speechwriter. I’m picturing that last line coming out of that smirkish smiling face and busting a nut laughing about the visual.
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“Looks like Jack proved Dean right again with his response yesterday….”
That’s what I got from his reported response after the Sabres game.
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Guess after Cammalleri and Johnson, Lombardi’s about had it with guys from Michigan.
Thing is, I agree with his assessment of Johnson, but I DO NOT think he handled this with any professionalism or tact. So so unnecessary. Losing a guy like Jack would not be wise, either. Though his defensive awareness is average at best, he’s demonstrably tough, very determined, and a presence that the Kings need since they are one of the softest teams in the league.
Johnson could’ve taken the high road, sure. But I don’t blame him for his reaction one bit.
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“How long until the bed he’s sleeping in in California becomes his own bed?”
Given current conditions? Who knows where his next “real bed” could be.
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“‘Cui bono?’ as the Romans used to say. Who benefits, if DL decides he can’t speak freely anymore? Or rather, who get hurts the least, because she could never benefit as much from it as other reporters?”
Gladys Kravitz and her dead tree edition get enough pub to extend the life of her dead tree publication a few days longer than otherwise.
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Someone earlier in the thread compared this situation to some comments made earlier in the year by TM and/or DL about Frolov. Not the same at all. Comments about Frolov dealt with his current play – much more fair game in my view. These comments attacked Johnson’s former coach and the program he played under, and then went on to talk about more personal matters – whether Johnson was able to accept cricitism. These comments are mucn more personal in nature than anything ever said abot Frolov. THAT is why I find all this to be just shy of outrageous on DL’s part..For those of you who think that Johnson should “man up” and deal with it, or believe this is some masterful psychological ploy by DL, come on……
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Oh, and btw, this is worse than the Great Victor Newman on “The Young and the Restless, only DL is Victor Newman and JJ is Jack Abbott.
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A couple of observations from a lifelong hockey fan. It is unheard of for a GM to make such remarks in a public venue. So many negatives to this I won’t even go into it. Can you imagine Ken Holland, regarded as one of the best GMs in the league, publicly berating one of his young players? Would never happen. Second, he didn’t just criticize some college hockey coach for a marginal program….He openly questioned the competency of a legendary college hockey coach, former NHL coach of the year, and Stanley Cup finals MVP. Red Berenson is a legend. Its like saying Bob Knight doesn’t know basketball. The Michigan hockey program is an NHL factory. JJ is just a raw talent. I don’t see anyone complaining about Marty Turco, Brendan Morrison, John Madden, or any of the other Wolverines in the NHL. If Dean expected Jack to develop faster, I guess he didn’t scout him properly. This guy is a nutball that will be gone and forgotten soon enough.
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Well it looks like all the heavy hitters are out there on this one……so let me throw my two cents worth in.
First, I was pissed as hell when I heard about what DL said and I’m a huge DL fan. I totally agree with Rich, DL should have never made the comments to a reporter. However and I agree with Cynic and the others, if and when you make a comment that is going to be “off the record”, that needs to be stated right up front, no question. However, I do think that some of DL’s comments were taken out of context. Ultimately and again I agree with Rich, there are absolutely no winners on this one.
Personally, I like JMFJ. The man is a force out there. Sure JMFJ has some rough edges but he has a huge shot, he can stick handle and he can play, bang and breakout as well as anyone. Where JJ gets burned is his positional hockey. How many times this year have we seen outnumbered attacks on D and….how many times to you look around to see #3 trailing the play while O’Donnell or someone is trying to fend off a 2 on 1? JMFJ has a heavy shot and is a great assist man. He is also a big fat -18, simply put he doesn’t play good positional hockey; he seems to be out of position a lot. Take a look at the films and see how often JJ is too far inside the blue line as an opposing team is breaking out. That undoubtedly came from the UM program.
I don’t want to loose JMFJ. He will be a premier defenseman. But…DL does need to fix this. He should both personally and publicly apologize to Jack. The comments were unprofessional; this is the exact sort of thing that got DL run out of San Jose. DL has done a fantastic job rebuilding the Kings. But if you offend the young talent you’ve drafted and traded for, just how much better off are you if the kids bolt the organization after their three year contracts are up? Food for thought…..
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I just read Quisp’s take(thanks to a plug from Cynic),and it was very enlightning.Thanks Quisp.
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“Can you imagine Ken Holland, regarded as one of the best GMs in the league, publicly berating one of his young players?”
You mean like his comments about Sean Avery? (Also true, apparently.)
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I also find it amusing that Dean and others here choose to blame Jacks lack of fundamental hockey skills on the Michigan Hockey program itself. Like JJ is the first UM hockey player in the league and we have now discovered that the teaching methods of UM Hockey are woefully inadequate. With the countless UM hockey players to play in the NHL in the last 20 years, and the same Berenson coaching staff in place, don’t you think this would have been an issue before now. Or could it be that this is a case of one young player that is simply not ready for the NHL yet. Perhaps this GM is feeling some heat for selecting him and is deflecting blame. Is it not his job to evaluate JJs readiness as a professional prospect PRIOR to drafting him?
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I hope this works out for the best. I’ve been a JJ supporter/fan since the draft. I really hope DL knows what he’s doing as I don’t want to lose JJ. Sure, I agree he’s not where I hoped he would be when we got him. But he’s not near as bad defensively as many of you say. Obviously, being that much in the minus end isn’t great, but seriously people, watch the game!
I’m not saying he doesn’t have his lapses where a goal is his fault, but a majority of the time, the goals scored while he’s on the ice have nothing to do with his coverage.
I don’t think there are many young NHL defensemen with his mix of speed, skating, hands and toughness (and a bit of a mean streak). If we lose him, I think he will come back to haunt us in years to come. I think he’s capable of being just that good.
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I think DL wants to trade JJ and use this spat as the excuse and not the fact the JmfJ is not the mf everyone thought he would be
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Avery was in a league of his own……speaking of nutballs
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Not only that (to piggyback on WTFK), but how exactly did DL berate Johnson? He criticized Michigan’s hockey program, but not Johnson, whom he actually praised quite effusively.
To understand what’s going on here, let’s be clear on one thing: DEAN LOMBARDI DID NOT SLAM JACK JOHNSON. HE SLAMMED THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HOCKEY PROGRAM. Yes, he said that at one point JJ was “an awful hockey player,” but then he went on to explain precisely what he meant by that, and Gann quoted him so that there should be no doubt about what he meant. If Jack Johnson wants to read it in the worst possible way and take it personally, that’s on him.
And that’s where I think DL has an entirely legitimate beef about being taken out of context. Even though DL said what he said on the record, the fact that it is causing a controversy at all means that a lot of people are taking his remarks out of context. The people being sane/intelligent here are the ones who are considering the rest of the interview.
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let’s all pitch-in and arrange for dl and jj to meet at the back of a tim hortons somewhere in manitoba so that they can settle this…
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As someone once said, “I didn’t have time to write a short letter.”
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this won’t die… wait until they get to Toronto….
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OK then let’s address the criticisms of the UM Hockey program. Given my comment above, what is the legitimacy of DLs claims. It is his job to evaluate these players prior to drafting. Did JJ suddenly forget how to play position hockey when he arrived in LA? If I were a Kings fan, I would be questioning his ability to evaluate talent.
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Alma,
Great point.
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Honestly, I wouldn’t be suprised if the comments directed at Berenson derive from prior animosity between the two. Its the only sense I can make out of it.
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Personally, I’d rather keep Jack than DL. DL has done what the organization needed by implementing a strong scouting team and “changing the culture”, but the structure of the organization is now in place and it’s “assets” are now more valuable than it’s manager. If DL is unable to compliment the team with a true scorer/sniper at this deadline or during free agency this off-season, then I imagine his fate will end up just like it did in San Jose and he will be replaced with someone who isn’t as cautious or fiscally tight, but with someone who isn’t afraid to make a big splash.
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Anyone who thinks DL said these things because he doesn’t like JJ and wants to trade him are seriously lacking mental capacity. DL TRADED TO GET JJ HERE. And do you really think he’d want to bash his own player and then try to trade him? He may be a little odd, but the man is not stupid. If JJ goes anywhere after this, it will be because he wants to, not because DL is trying to get rid of him. And if JJ’s reasons for leaving have anything to do with DL’s criticism of his old coach or college team, then he really does prove he’s got a lot of growing up to do.
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vicarious…13 other teams took other players before Meyers. If you had paid attention at all, and even read some of Rich’s articles on the selection of Teubert, you’d know exactly WHY he was picked.
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@Cynic, Quisp and others who subscribe to the idea Helene Elliott influenced Jack Johnson’s comments about the DL interview with Gann.
Cynic wrote to Quisp: “Nice breakdown of what happened and I happen to hold the same belief on Miss LA Times.”
Ok, fair enough. I’m certainly no apologist for Helene Elliott, but let’s at least get a couple of facts straight. Quisp’s analysis might be radically insightful except for one little problem. It’s based entirely on a false assumption.
Quisp wrote: “L.A. Times reporter and Hockey Hall of Fame member Gladys Kravitz got Jack Johnson worked up in a froth yesterday.”
Quisp repeatedly refers to Helene Elliott as Gladys Kravitz from the show Bewitched. I’m assuming this is because of a physical resemblance? Regardless, I don’t see the relevance in the reference other than pure insult.
Quisp continues: “Having read the Lombardi interview she references in her article, I can only assume one of three things is going on: (1) Jack Johnson read the original interview himself, but Jack Johnson can’t read. (3) Jack Johnson and Dean Lombardi are mortal enemies. This is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Quisp goes on to rule out options 1 and 3 as not possible, which leaves option 2…
“(2) Jack Johnson did not read the interview, but was told about it by Gladys Kravitz.”
FALSE: Helene Elliott did NOT tell JJ about the interview.
According to Gann Matsuda, Jack Johnson approached Helene Elliott with a statement even AFTER Lombardi made his apology to Jack. Clearly Jack knew well in advance of his comments to Helene of Gann’s interview. No “cherry picking” involved at all. Not only that, Gann practically gift wrapped the interview for her… read on.
Let’s review the timeline shall we?
Wednesday, Jan. 20
At some point in the morning, Gann posted his interview with Lombardi. (Part 4: Jack Johnson Is Learning His Craft…Belatedly) As far as I can tell, not much was made of it the rest of the day. Some comments were made on Gann site and that was about it.
Thursday, Jan. 21
-Game day against the Sabers. Apparently word had spread about the interview and Lombardi, at some point before the game, pulled Jack aside and apologized.
-Kings beat the Sabers (sweet).
-After the game, Gann was approached by Jack Johnson:
Matsuda, “I knew he (Jack) wasn’t happy about the situation when he came up to me in the dressing room…and asked to speak with me. Usually, dressing room interviews right after a game are “scrum” interviews where all the media present fire questions at players in a group. You usually don’t get individual interviews until after we’re done with all the players and Terry Murray. But Johnson approached me. I’ve done this long enough to know that when a player, coach or front office person approaches you and wants to talk to you individually, that’s rarely going to be a good thing.”
Gann went on to say, “He wanted to talk, but we had to go interview Murray, so I told him that I’d be back to talk to him. He was fine with that. But I also told him that because of obligations related to the day job, I may not be able to publish a story featuring his comments immediately. I guess that didn’t sit well with him (again, can’t say I blame him) so he apparently found Helene Elliott and told her. When I got back to the dressing room to talk to him, he said he decided that enough had been said and that he was going to drop it (and that he had nothing against me).”
(To read all of what Gann “The Man” Matsuda said, you can read the comments section of the interview: http://frozenroyalty.net/2010/01/20/dean-lombardi-jack-johnson-is-learning-his-craft-belatedly/)
Friday, Jan. 22
-At just 11 minutes past midnight, Helene published her piece, “Kings’ Jack Johnson irate over GM Lombardi’s comments about him and Michigan.” This is the article Quisp lambasted, accusing Helene of cherry-picking quotes from Lombardi’s interview to get Jack “worked up into a froth.”
-At 1:02am, just 51 minutes after Helene published her piece, Rich posted “The Battle of Michigan?,” which generated well over 200 comments.
…but I digress.
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Phillip, read the article again. According to DL, he was a defenseman in name only while at Michigan. Having never seen him play college hockey (except for highlights) I have no idea if it’s true. Has UM produced many NHL defensemen?
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My mistake…11 teams. And we got a 3rd rnd pick (Robert Czarnik)too by not drafting Meyers.
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Told ya so..
Even Rich agrees it was pointless.
Stupid interview, stupid comments.
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Look, we’ve all heard Lombardi talk and once he gets wound up it’s hard for him to stop. He doesn’t have a speechwriter (?) so when he starts wingin it, stuff falls out of his head that probly should’nt. I like JJ and I hope this doesn’t make him mad enough to want to leave. He’s gonna be a good one!
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The sopa opera stuff is getting old…I just wanna watch some hockey!!!
GO KINGS!!!
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Darrell….that is a funny question.
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variable says:
January 23, 2010 at 3:02 PM
let’s all pitch-in and arrange for dl and jj to meet at the back of a tim hortons somewhere in manitoba so that they can settle this…
Quisp says:
January 23, 2010 at 3:02 PM
As someone once said, “I didn’t have time to write a short letter.”
While I agree with so many comments on this blog (that DL was out of place here) I love how Quisp and Var pull the drama out of this. I mean it gets too heavy on here sometimes. One person did comment that if DL continues this sort of ‘communication’ and whether intentional or not, berates his players…. it’s not gonna help him or the team in the long run. Makes me realize why he chose Mark Crawford for the first coach he appointed.
“Jack was a thoroughbred out there,” Lombardi explained. “But he was all over the place. He was awful as a hockey player.
Maybe he was complementing him, but the above doesn’t sound like a complement to me. It’s both DL and JJ. One is too direct, the other lacks toughness to just get on and deal with the situation and put it behind him. Hopefully though he’ll manage to do that (and DL can learn to be a bit more careful with his thoughts).
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Hot issues at bad times.I for one would like a happy ending.I don’t see it heading there.
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I wonder if DL would have spoken so frankly to a “traditional” reporter, vs. a blogger.
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So, in other words, JJ went on a vendetta after DL apologized to him. Thats worse!
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Those of you familiar with hockey development as it relates to the juniors, college hockey, and farm league know this. Many o’ Hobey Baker winners (for those confused it’s the Heisman Trophy for college hockey)and junior studs have turned out to be duds. The development system in hockey is akin to MLB. So if JJ underachieves and never amounts to an NHL stud – not surprising. Happens every day. I certainly wouldn’t go blaming the players former coach who just so happens to be highly respected by everyone in hockey (other than DL).
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Well the chances of Gann ever getting another meaningful interview with Dean Lombardi are now about zero.
If he does get one, it will go something like this:
Gann, “Can you talk about Simmonds development this year?”
Lombardi, *unblinking, soul-piercing stare*
Gann, “Uh, ok, there is a solid young core of players here now, what pieces do you see as still missing?”
Lombardi, *cross arms across chest* plus *unblinking, soul-piercing stare*
Gann, “Uhh, ok, uh, do you like blue M&Ms?”
Lombardi, *puts hands on hips* plus *unblinking, soul-piercing stare*
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waves -
Yes, it turns out that (1) was the correct answer, or possibly a watered down version of (3).
No, it’s not pure insult, re Gladys Kravitz. It’s because she’s a meddlesome busybody who likes causing trouble.
I think I basically agree with Rich that this is a kind of perfect storm of bad behavior from JJ, DL and GK/HE. He didn’t include her in it; I’m including her.
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Thank you Waves!!!
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Keep Johnson, trade Lombardi…
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It’s all Helen Elliot’s fault!!! I’ve been forced to read her awful coverage of the Kings for years since she was it until just recently. The worst hockey writer in all of sports. Sometimes I would wonder if she even was at the games she would report about. I really think she just through tidbits (the juice stuf to get a reaction)of this on JJ’s lap without JJ actually reading the whole artical and caught JJ in a vulnerable position. If I would’ve read the full article and it was about me, I only would’ve thought of it as complimentry.
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A couple of comments, firstly, not sure if it has been discussed, but the actual interviews between Gann & DL took place a couple of weeks ago. Anyone talking about DL’s plan to light a fire under JJ’s butt prior to the road trip probably isn’t aware that Gann has a very busy day job and gets no income from his blogging.
Secondly, while so many people point to JJ’s poor +/-, what is more alarming to me is his 4G, 18 pt performance so far this year even though he is leading the Kings in icetime this year. Is it just me that is getting sick of JJ wind up and blast a shot wide of the net on PP’s and open shots from the point? Maybe you can attribute this to his trying to learn defence, where his +/- comes into play. JJ has picked up his defensive play at the expense of his offence, but he is still getting prime ice time! Hardly what you expect of a player that is going to get shipped out of town. JJ is being given every opportunity to prove that he can mature his game to maximize his talent so that he can be paid what he really thinks he is worth. JJ, time to nut up and prove that you will be a star in this league! This whole episode does nothing more for me than appreciate the maturity that Doughty brings to the Kings, on the ice and off, at such an early age.
Finally, if UM gets the best players in college, why do they end up being complementary players in the NHL? Sure, there is a long list of UM players in the NHL, but the list of real NHL stars who passed through Berenson’s program is pretty small. If the program takes the best players and doesn’t do much to make them better, it doesn’t seem to indicate to me that DL’s comments were that out of line.
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@IntheSinBin
You obviously haven’t read this thread. So to inform the uninformed…
JJ knew of the article well in advance of talking with your favorite person in the world, Helene Elliot. In fact, DL had apologized to JJ before JJ talked to HE. But of course, it’s still her fault…
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waves -
one of the lessons here is that just because someone likes causing trouble for Lombardi doesn’t mean that she caused this particular trouble for Lombardi. another lesson is that every time I give JJ the benefit of the doubt, I get burned.
Lombardi used a poor choice of words to say something that is in fact true. I’m still waiting to see if anyone comes up with any details on the whole Czarnik thing, because that would be illuminating, potentially.
As far as the whole “off the record” thing, he never said he said it was off-the-record. He said he was answering a question about Jack’s performance this season, and was defending him by saying that when he got here he was a stud with no coaching. This is pretty much the same thing he said about Kopi. He’s a stud who has never faced adversity. Really, it’s virtually exactly the same. And that’s why it works for me.
Different reaction though.
Is it really surprising that Kopitar can take criticism better than Johnson? Really, one is a coach’s son, and the other…
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…and the other is a Michelin Man!
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[rim-shot]
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@Quisp
“re Gladys Kravitz. It’s because she’s a meddlesome busybody who likes causing trouble.”
Ha, understood. I didn’t watch that show much (I was more of an I Dream of Jeannie man). Somehow though, I get the sneaking suspicion that H.E. reminds you of someone torturous in your childhood (teacher, babysitter, etc.)!?!?!
Also, lessons noted. There’s plenty of blame to go around, the least of which should be aimed and Gann (and of course none at HE). But the other lesson here is that this is the second time that I know of that DL has been reckless with the reputation of a reporter. He went down a couple of notches the first time and now this. He just dropped a full level in my eyes.
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