Rangers' Dan Boyle to Critical Reporters: "Nobody Likes You. Nobody Respects You."

It’s breakup day for the New York Rangers and veteran defenseman Dan Boyle is doing a good job making the event interesting. He refused to speak to an assembled media throng until some reporters he doesn’t like cleared the area.

Brooks and Cyrgalis, both New York Posts writers, have been critical of Boyle’s production since he came over as a free agent in 2014. Cyrgalis apparently wasn’t present for today’s call-out.

Brooks, on the other hand, was there, leading to a testy exchange.

" “I don’t want him here,” said Boyle. “What?” Brooks said. “You know, the feeling’s mutual, man.” “Nobody likes you. Nobody respects you. Just so you know,” said Boyle. “OK,” said Brooks. “At least I’m leaving here with the respect of my teammates,” said Boyle. There was some cross talk, before Boyle said, “I have no respect for you. I want you to get the [expletive] out.” “I don’t care what you think,” said Brooks. “I can tell you to get the [expletive] out if I want to!” said Boyle, his voice now raised. “You can, but I don’t have to listen to you,” said Brooks. “Yeah, ya do!” said Boyle. “I want him out. And that other [expletive] clown, Brett, or whatever the [expletive] his name is. Everyone else is fine. I want him out. It’s my right.” "

Boyle’s attempt to control the media was predictably met with resistance from other members of the media. The New York Daily News did not hold back any editorial comment when describing the incident:

"If this is how Dan Boyle is going out, shame on him. Boyle singled out multiple critical reporters and laced into them, cursing them out and refusing to begin his breakup day interview Tuesday afternoon in Greenburgh until they left the vicinity. Boyle’s summer 2014 signing was an unmitigated failure. He is likely retiring after a mostly excellent career with the San Jose Sharks that skidded in New York, where coach Alain Vigneault gave him ample opportunity despite subpar play."

The real loser in this situation is the newspaper industry. If a 39-year-old feels comfortable taking shots, how bold will players who came of age in the internet era be in trying to restrict access?

[Puck Daddy]