The Tragedy of Appreciating SOBs Too Late 🔗

Really great writing from Ray Ratto on the untimely passing of both Claude Lemieux and Kyle Busch: The tragedy of appreciating SOBs too late | Defector The question of whether his often confrontational and always high-collision style of play led to some level of brain impairment is an inevitable one; the idea that he died performing for fans is one each person must wrestle with individually, and as they choose. Not super familiar with Busch, but Claude Lemieux breaking Kris Draper’s face crystalized my Detroit Red Wings fandom for life. The documentary mentioned about the rivalry is fantastic (I’m biased), and centers on Draper’s teammate Darren McCarty befriending Lemieux after their playing days are over. I was explaining to my wife who he was when he was carrying the pregame torch for the Montreal Canadiens, a little over a week ago. I hope both men’s families can find peace.