Whatever!

As far as professional athletes go, Mats Sundin's a pretty classy guy.



You never hear about him getting drunk after another horrible Leafs loss and picking fights in bars with mocking fans.



You never hear about him complaining about how much his team stinks and how he's not paid enough money to endure the torture.



You never hear him whining about being the captain of a chronically losing team that's managed by a string of chronically dysfunctional characters.



So, is it any surprise our dear Mats isn't cutting and running, like many superstars have done before, when given the option to head to a contender?



Not really.



While the Leafs have been less than stellar for many years now, it's not Sundin's fault. He knows it and that's why he won't be part of any trade on today's deadline.



He's refused to waive his no-trade clause and is sticking-it-out with the club through another painfully brutal season, even though he knows he's pissing some fans off by doing that.



If you're one of those angry BeLeafers, lemme tell you something, it's not like the Buds are in a strong bargaining position here. You think any of the 29-other clubs out there haven't been licking their chops and thinking of all the many ways they can fleece Cliff Fletcher in a Mats-Sundin deal?



We're dead in the water. Everyone knows it. We have no leverage and wouldn't get much in return for Sundin, so what's the use in slagging a guy who is actually making a sacrifice for his career, by staying and finishing out the season?



Honestly ask yourself, how many players out there do you know that want to retire with their chosen team and would give-up a chance at the Stanley Cup to stay with that crappy club, out of sheer loyalty?



I thought so.





But Whatever!




You can hear Ruby Jones' Whatever rants live Tuesday-Friday during the Morning Show at 7:50, on the New Flow 93.5. Or check out the podcast at www.flow935.com!