THE SIN-BIN
                     By Eric J. Burton
                 The "Fabulous Sports Goon"
 Http://members.tripod.com/~unvarnished_truth/sinbin/sinbin.html
 
        When is the the truth not the "truth?" In the media's eyes their
perspective is the truth? This weekend I was reading a newspaper article in
the sports page of the Mpls Star and Tribune, it was the summary of
the Gophers and MTU series. There was the usual stuff. Doug Woog had his
complains about how the refs, you know,the refing was so bad, the refs were
making calls against the Gophers all weekend and that the tactics of the
MTU Huskies coaching staff might be a little suspect, if not dirty.
The story said that Woog was talking on the telephone in the lobby
after the pre game meal when he over heard Michigan Tech player Andre Savage
joking to his MTU team mates about how he should have re broken Casey
Hankinson's left thumb Friday night. Then Woog alleges that he heard
Savage say some R-rated comments about the Gophers (like any of us haven't).
My point is when is the truth really the truth? You can decide for your
self. Here the other sides of the story. I should know better than to
believe a news paper like the Tribune they are pro Gopher and pro Democrat
(but that is for another page, their left wing slant is not objective either).
I got permission from Dave Fisher to use his perspective on the event in
question. Thanks Dave.
 
Eric --
 
As you might imagine, there are two sides to every story.
Obviously, you have passed judgment on Savage based on one side of the story.
Let it be known that Savage did not joke about trying to break Hankinson's
left thumb. He was talking to his teammates about Friday's game and was
telling them how Hankinson had his stick between his legs and wouldn't
remove it. Savage then told his teammates that he gave Hankinson a shot
with his stick in hopes he would get his stick out from between his legs.
 
That is a far cry from the Woog version of the story. Savage is a talented
player who can play the physical part of the game as well. He does not,
however, attempt to intentionally injure opposing players.
 
As I could have predicted...one side of the story is reported and
automatically the vast majority of folks believe what they read. That's not
your fault, but the fault of the reporter.
 
In any case, I just wanted to make sure you had both sides of the story.
 
I'm glad you're a passionate fan of college hockey. You've got a great team
to root for up there...perhaps a second straight national title?!
 
Kindest Regards,
 
Dave Fischer
Director of Athletic Communications & Promotions
Michigan Tech University
 
I thank Dave Fischer for his elegant point. I made the mistake of passing
judgement to quickly on the matter. Remember just because it is in the
papers doesn't mean it is true.
 
        Predictions for this week.
 
Minnesota-Duluth@Michigan Tech, this is a big series and I will take the
Bull Dogs as they sweep, 3-1 and 5-4 in O.T.
 
Wisconsin@Minnesota, even though the Gophers are at the bottom of the
league the border war will serve as an entertaining battle unfortunatley
the Gophers will lose both, Badger Sweep 5-4 and 8-2.
 
North Dakota@Alaska Anchorage, this team scares me and the Sioux do not
like playing at Anchorage. The series will be tight as the Sioux Tie 4-4 and
Win 5-2 going away.
 
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