ESPN The Magazine in its annual ranking of pro sports franchises listed the Maple Leafs last of 122 teams, and Maple Leafs President & GM Brian Burke "isn’t high on renewing his subscription to the publishing arm of the respected broadcast giant," according to Lance Hornsby of the TORONTO SUN. The rankings indicate Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is the "worst organization in the pro sphere." Burke said, "I don't think ESPN knows a single thing about hockey. I think their hockey coverage stinks and I don't think they know anything about Canada." MLSE President & COO Tom Anselmi said, "I was confused by the ranking. They ranked the owners of the Leafs one place (112th) and the owners of the Raptors (93rd). The last time I checked, they're the same. Sometimes I don't know what to make of those kind of polls. ... But we have to start winning. We know that. Winning affects what you do with your fans, the community and how you're perceived out there." Hornby notes Anselmi and Burke "talked last week following the latter's appointment and Burke said he's also spoken to new members of the incoming MLSE board following majority control attained by BCE and Rogers." Last Thursday was MLSE's annual "town hall" employees' meeting "involving all levels of their three playoff-challenged major leagues teams" -- the Maple Leafs, Raptors and MLS Toronto FC -- and the Air Canada Centre staff. Anselmi yesterday said, "There's a new era, new ownership and new leadership. There is a renewed focus on three simple things, our teams, our fans and what we do in our community. That's the message, get back to our knitting, get that right and take it from there" (TORONTO SUN, 9/11).
TIME TO TURN UP THE HEAT? In Toronto, Steve Buffery writes for Burke there "are no mulligans (more or less)." Every move Burke makes "is (rightfully) scrutinized and criticized." But it is a "completely different story" for Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos. Although the Blue Jays "are on their way to a 19th straight season without qualifying for the post-season, fans (and some others) are ready to give baseball's Boy Wonder a mulligan -- proving again that Jays fans are either the most loyal or gullible supporters in the world." It is "stunning, really ... 19 years and so little angst." After 19 years, there is "very little pressure on the owners of this franchise to do what they have to do to win" (TORONTO SUN, 9/11).
