Who do you consider a traitor to Canadian sports? Thu, November 6, 2008
With the induction of famed boxer Lennox Lewis to the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, the 1988 Olympic gold medallist does not consider himself any less of a Canuck after switching allegiances when he turned professional.
Lewis is not the first, and certainly not the last, to leave the country and ply their trade elsewhere.
Athletes like Brett Hull, Owen Hargraves and Greg Rusedski have forgone the maple leaf for an opportunity elsewhere, mostly out of convenience.
Which begs the question: who do you consider a traitor to Canadian sports? Have your say in our forum.
I think some people take sports much too seriously.
gordholio, 2008-12-22 06:30:23
it begins and ends with brett hull.
steve, 2008-11-18 17:23:41
Alan Eagleson definitely tops the list. I dont have a problem with Lennox Lewis. He won a gold medal for us so I think that should be that.
Why has no one mentioned Ben Johnson? He left a scar on the track program that, excluding Donovan Bailey, Canada has never really recovered from. Please leave all the conspiracy theories at the door. He did it, and made Canada look ridiculous in the process.
Norbit, 2008-11-10 15:24:24
I agree with Russ that Al Eagleson should be at the top of the list.The younger people may not know who he is but there are several retired NHL players living near the poverty level because of what Eagleson did to them.He has to be at the top of the list.Players like Brett Hull simply went where the bright lights and money were in the States. They didn't really hurt anyone.
Johnny, 2008-11-07 13:05:20
Lennox Lewis won a Gold Medal representing Canada. When he turned professional he had to go where the money was to make a living. I have no problem at all with him being inducted.
Vince in Ottawa, 2008-11-07 00:14:52
I don't have a problem with him being in, he won a gold for Canada. Not sure what the issue is. Should we give back his gold because he wasn't in Canada a few years before that?
The guy came here because he wanted a better life and left because he wanted a better life. In neither case was he a traitor, he didn't give out state secrets, sabotage our sea kings or help lead an invading army against us. He just boxed in another country.
Rick W., 2008-11-06 20:29:44
wayne is right this article is dumb!
why is this even up for debate?
and its too late now anyways, Lennox did what he had to do inorder to become a champ! we as canadians should be ashamed of ourselves for not supporting him throughout his career!
Sorry Lennox, you'll still always be a great champ!
oh and Brett Hull as well, he's a bum!
jeremy, 2008-11-06 19:21:26
Bryan Trottier.
Born in Canada, played for team USA even though he could have easily made the Canadian team.
kfox, 2008-11-06 19:15:07
Good for Lennox Lewis! He like doctors, engineers, energy sector workers, nurses, and just about anyone else who cares to do it -went abroad for the betterment of their situation. Don't blame Lennox, blame Ottawa's oppressive taxes!
Blue Eyed Arab, 2008-11-06 18:48:51
Canada let Lennox down, he did his part and will always go down a true Champion....
Glen Smith, 2008-11-06 18:19:47
Who do you consider a traitor to Canadian sports?
I think some people take sports much too seriously.
gordholio, 2008-12-22 06:30:23
steve, 2008-11-18 17:23:41
Why has no one mentioned Ben Johnson? He left a scar on the track program that, excluding Donovan Bailey, Canada has never really recovered from. Please leave all the conspiracy theories at the door. He did it, and made Canada look ridiculous in the process.
Norbit, 2008-11-10 15:24:24
Johnny, 2008-11-07 13:05:20
Vince in Ottawa, 2008-11-07 00:14:52
The guy came here because he wanted a better life and left because he wanted a better life. In neither case was he a traitor, he didn't give out state secrets, sabotage our sea kings or help lead an invading army against us. He just boxed in another country.
Rick W., 2008-11-06 20:29:44
why is this even up for debate?
and its too late now anyways, Lennox did what he had to do inorder to become a champ! we as canadians should be ashamed of ourselves for not supporting him throughout his career!
Sorry Lennox, you'll still always be a great champ!
oh and Brett Hull as well, he's a bum!
jeremy, 2008-11-06 19:21:26
Born in Canada, played for team USA even though he could have easily made the Canadian team.
kfox, 2008-11-06 19:15:07
Blue Eyed Arab, 2008-11-06 18:48:51
Glen Smith, 2008-11-06 18:19:47