So, in 2008; 7 years after the departure of our savior Eric Lindros were now back to square one.

The controversy continues.

As we all know Eric left the Flyers organization under an extremely dark cloud.
One which carried an inordinate amount of animosity towards the club and
organization which traded for him and gave up 5 roster players, 3 first round
picks and millions in cash to acquire him. Likewise was the organizations animosity
toward Eric Lindros and his family. He was added in a trade with the now
defunct Quebec Nordiques. As we all know Eric turned away draft day and
informed the Nordiques he wouldnt play for them. The move many NHL teams
described as the turning point toward the road to the Stanley cup for the
Philadelphia Flyers and their proud organization. 17 years later, working for
the NHLPA and retired from hockey Eric is back in the headlines. Recently, the
Flyers organization determined the Wachovia Spectrum to be scheduled for
the wrecking ball. The organization plans to build a state of the art shopping
district for the south Philadelphia sports complex. Long time ticket holders, fans
and local neighborhood citizens arent happy about the impending changes
and made their unhappiness clear. Flyers executive management decided to
throw a going away party for the old girl and send her off with one more game
to be played this pre-season. During this game the club announced it will bring
back all 15 Flyers captains since the clubs inception for one last good bye in closing
ceremonies. One catch though. Eric Lindros declined the offer a few days ago
with merely a one line statement; Ive got other plans for a memorial service.
Not that an explanation is necessary, but since when have memorial services for
recently deceased been scheduled approximately one and a half months in advance?
Im not one to say, its not true, but this is particularly peculiar considering its
scheduled for what amounts to a historic day in the life of a Philadelphia sports icon.
Not only is it historic, but it would allow for the fans to have on last send off for
one of the most revered players in both Flyers and NHL history. Instead, it appears
this may be the last straw for fans. Eric issued a statement Wednesday September 3, 2008
which seemed just as short and just as characterless as his last days with the Flyers.

"I'm unfortunately unable to attend the ceremony at the Spectrum because I will be
attending a memorial service for my close friend's mother who recently passed
away," he said. "The Spectrum holds many special memories for me, and I always
enjoyed playing there in front of the great Flyers fans."

To me, this is just a band aid to cover the wound which was a mere scratch after he left.
Its now an oozing gash which to me can no longer be repaired. Whether this statement
is true or not, Eric has destroyed any of the good memories I held of him. He tarnished his
character and I lost faith in him in 97. I was one of the many who called for the team to
move on and let Eric take his career elsewhere. Unfortunately they didnt and the bridge
divide only grew larger. I was unhappy with his image after he left, but now I genuinely
despise the guy.

Eric is a loser and epitomizes the word in all aspects. Hes a degenerate spoiled sport
who never figured out how to grow up and separate from mommy and daddy.

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