Chelios explains why he didn’t shake hands with Ducks

Chelios explains why he didn’t shake hands with Ducks:

DETROIT – Chris Chelios said he didn’t shake hands with the Anaheim Ducks players following the Detroit Red Wings’ loss Tuesday in the Western Conference final because he was so overcome with emotion he thought he was going to blackout and throw up.

The veteran defenceman initially went straight to the dressing room, but composed himself enough to come out and shake the hands of Ducks coaches before once again being overwhelmed by the feelings of illness.

“I’m the biggest believer in tradition, in having honour and showing class,” Chelios said. “I’m not going to lie and say it’s an apology, it’s an explanation.

“In all sincerity, I couldn’t keep it together the last 20 seconds of the game realizing we were going to get knocked out.

And, for all the people out there ripping Chelios for not going through the hand-shake line, an explanation.

And perhaps it’s time for folks to shut up and remember that these people are human…

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  • Ian

    Chuqui, you are usually quite skeptical about statements in the press, particularly about either controversial issues (contract talks) or issues where the facts make one side look bad. Why no skepticism now?
    He was so overcome with emotion? He was going to puke or black out? Those not only don’t pass the stink test, but they are the lines of textbook spin control: not only is Chelios practically a victim here, but in fact he has a “deep respect for tradition” and so logically would never in a million years do something like he actually did. Or something.
    I’m fully aware of how human NHL players are, and right now, Chelios is squirming under the spotlight of the media after doing something classless, selfish, and stupid. He, like many other humans, is now lying about why he did what he did to get out of the spotlight.
    The reason the handshake tradition is considered a sign of respect and class is precisely because a playoff series is emotional, and losing the series is tough. You shake the other teams hands, even if you don’t want to, *especially* if you don’t want to, because players ought to show respect for the game, which means respect for their opponent. This is, like, 2nd grade Little League stuff. Chelios demonstrated a distinct lack of respect by his actions. And he apparently still won’t own up to that.