Steve Simmons explains reasoning around harsh John Chayka questions at Maple Leafs presser
Credit: Toronto Sports Rush/BetRivers Most introductory press conferences for pro sports front-office officials barely make the news outside the local market. The introductory press conference for Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka, however, ended up making international headlines, thanks in large part to questions from Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons. The longtime journalist opened the presser with a pointed question for Keith Pelley , the president and CEO of MLSE, about the new hire sitting next to him.
“You talk about the due diligence that you did on John prior to hiring him, and now hiring him. In the past three to four days, I have been in contact with about 20 people who work in the National Hockey League, many of whom are prominent names that we would all know. Of the 20 people I spoke to, one was supportive of his hiring, the other 19 thought it was a sham, to be perfectly honest,” said Simmons.
“Words were used like ‘con artist,’ ‘liar,’ ‘salesman. ’ “How did you come to a different conclusion than I was able to come to in a very short time? ” “I must’ve talked to different people,” dryly replied Pelley.
“That’s it? ” asked Simmons. “Because the hockey world today is astounded by this announcement.
” “Okay,” offered a smiling Pelley. “And your response to that? ” asked Simmons.
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