Comments about the fans: Kristopher Letang reflects on what he said

Marc-Olivier Cook
Comments about the fans: Kristopher Letang reflects on what he said
Credit: Nov 25, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) against the Philadelphia Flyers in the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, Kristopher Letang became the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons following an appearance on the Entre la Poire et le Fromage podcast.

Basically, the defenseman said that fans shouldn't talk in “on” tones when discussing their respective teams… and his comments garnered negative attention.

Letang set the record straight in a discussion with Renaud Lavoie.

Ultimately, Letang said he wasn't trying to pick on fans, and that he knows how special Canadiens and Penguins fans are. He reiterated his love of the city of Montreal, and that even if the passion of the fans is “not as great” in Pittsburgh, he still appreciates the support of his team's fans.

Hockey isn't on the same level as Montreal, but our fans are exceptional. That's what makes our franchise a place where players want to come and play. I wanted to clear that up, put it behind me. – Kristopher Letang

Letang also made it clear that, in saying what he did, he was addressing fans who believe they're part of their team, even if it's not the core of their respective professions.

I understand where this is coming from in a way… but still.

I still think Letang could have avoided a comment like that. He could have decided not to say what he said, and even if he feels his words were taken out of context, it achieves the same result in the end.

And that's what people remember too.

It's all very well for him to say that he loves the fans of his club and those in Montreal, but the damage has already been done. Maybe he didn't mean to go after the fans directly, and maybe he didn't think his comments would become so important… but it was still pretty clear when he said it too.

And that's what doesn't change in the story.


Overtime

– I'd like this.

– Coming up.

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– Great.

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