[Fired] Mark Donnelly

[GarthButcher5 3,169]

24 minutes ago, coolboarder said:

I do not even agree with the owner's action where his free time shouldn't reflect the organization unless he is a criminal but this is not a crime to express your opinion on any government policies that the government impose the policy on us.  Whatever the players or any of his employee during their time that is not under company's time do is not the company's business.  If every company does that, there'd be no free speech left and will have some consequences in the future.  Free speech helps to hold the government accountable for their action and the company shouldn't interfere them in any way.  Perhaps the company might try to get in a good favor with the government concern the tax breaks which shouldn't be allowed, imo. If nobody holds the government in check, then who will hold them accountable if the free speech is gone.

I certainly respect the Aquilini's decision. No one would know who Mark Donnelly even is if not for the Canucks.  I am certain the pandemic has cost the Canucks millions of dollars and they have an employee seemingly flaunting the rule and potentially making it worse.

 

Mark Donnelly has not lost any of his free speech. He still has every right to attend the rally and sing if he wishes. This doesn't stop anything in this respect. Only now, he cannot do it as a representative of the Canucks whereby he is potentially making the Canucks look bad.

 

I think any company in Canada would be concerned if they had an employee doing something that would possibly embarrass the company, this would be against their standards of conduct.

Edited December 5, 2020 by GarthButcher5

[Jaimito 9,214]

Marie Hui is our de facto anthem singer. 

 

 

 

 

[-DLC- 71,227]

Was time anyhow....Marie does a wonderful job and he was past his best before date.   

[davidgoliath 136]

8 minutes ago, drummer4now said:

While I agree with most of what you have said I don't agree with the sudden change of policy on Dr. Bonnie Henrys part and on the fly rule making. 

 

The masks can still spread the virus if someone takes it off and forgets to sanitize them. 

 

Either way please end this pandemic 

It will end in the summer/fall next year. In the meantime everyone should follow the advice, including masks, and we can have fewer restrictions and more fun . The more that people act like idiots, including Donnelly, the worse it gets and both the economy and personal freedom suffer. Our rights include the right not to be put at risk be the foolish and selfish behaviour of antimaskers.

[Coconuts 15,262]

12 minutes ago, drummer4now said:

This has to be up with Don Cherry and company.. minus the racism and you people comments. 

 

Another icon of the Canucks crushed... 

Not even close, Don Cherry had an extensive history in hockey media whereas Donnelly's an anthem singer most of us would have never heard of had he not sung for the Canucks. 

 

Not crushed either, he had the freedom to choose whether to attend or not and chose to attend. He just doesn't get to attend an anti-mask rally representing a professional hockey team that's likely to lose tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars because of said pandemic. Literally all he had to do was not choose to misrepresent the team that pays him. But he used his freedom of choice to make said choice, and Aqua said alright then. 

Edited December 5, 2020 by Coconuts

[coolboarder 854]

1 minute ago, Coconuts said:

That's not true, many companies have policies in their contracts regarding things like social media use and misrepresenting the company. As a professional hockey player you don't just play for the team, you also represent the brand. Same thing goes for professionals like social workers, child and youth care workers, ect. You don't get to be a social worker working in child protection for the government and affiliate yourself with the Hell's Angels. That's an extreme example, but you get what I'm saying. 

 

It's like how you see folks lose their jobs and the like for being racist on social media. 

 

 

Being racist or opposing government policies are two different things.  Mark exercised his right as an individual to participate in a community that the government might oppose will not damage the company's reputation.  Opposing any government policy does not damage the Canucks in any way as a brand.  A murderer or a rapist or even racist do damage the reputation so protesting on something is not a crime in itself.    You have to keep in mind that the owner has other interests and his goal is to maximum his profits with other business that he invests, namely real estate business that he is doing all over the city and it is in his best interest to make more money via perks, or tax breaks by any means by scratching the government's back with some backroom deals.  It's like I'll scratch your back if you scratch my back kind of thing is disgusting.  It is not about racist.   I highly doubt that the example you cited out is just a poor example would happen.  Most government worker will not get involved that they knew that it's illegal and would rather to keep their job because they are the government worker and most often that they agree to their policies when  they are hired unless you are a leader of an official opposition party in the parliament.  Most often, the government would rather hire their own people in any government related businesses.

 

I do agree that masks is needed for protection but you cannot take away the individual's right to express his opinion on any government policies.  Going to a rally is your right for as long as it's social distance.  There are a fine line if the government seek to prevent any rallies that is related to the government policies that they try to ban the gathering is wrong.  

[butters 1,186]

1 hour ago, Kevin Biestra said:

 

Well anyway, I guess wait until the first time you have a similar different opinion from more powerful people about something that has nothing to do with your job performance and see how it goes for your livelihood and if you feel the same then.

If you are in a public position then public image is part of your job.

[Junkyard Dog 11,582]

31 minutes ago, drummer4now said:

Even though I personally wear a mask just because of the feel of it especially during winter I formally believe people should have the right to wear one or not..

 

IMO people improperly wearing masks do more harm than ones who don't.. 

 

The evidence behind them saving lives is also iffy.

In regards to masks it doesn't have much to do with the law and more about policy privacy businesses implement. Private businesses can set guidelines in order for people to shop. No different from no shoes, no shirt then no service. You wanna shop there then follow their rules.

 

Of course there are guidelines/laws the provinces/gov will implement.

 

Rather not get fined and not be able to go into stores.

 

21 minutes ago, Coconuts said:

That's not true, many companies have policies in their contracts regarding things like social media use and misrepresenting the company. As a professional hockey player you don't just play for the team, you also represent the brand. Same thing goes for professionals like social workers, child and youth care workers, ect. You don't get to be a social worker working in child protection for the government and affiliate yourself with the Hell's Angels. That's an extreme example, but you get what I'm saying. 

 

It's like you see folks lose their jobs and the like for being racist on social media. 

 

 

This is mostly true but major corporations also fear cancel culture, good or bad. They all want to look good in everyone's eyes because of that cash mondo. It can cause some problems with suppressing differing opinions though context matters(Like if the person is being racist which is justifiable for termination or something so miniscule/unjustifiable like having a different political/social view). Just look at Hollywood. Pretty much a hivemind over there, everyone thinks alike. Not many people in that sort of industry probably like to differ from each other when it comes to certain issues. All about money and good PR in the end. It's a little concerning but that sort of bad cancel culture is starting to get thwarted out, some people are standing up for differing opinions. 

 

Mostly a side point with that Coco, unrelated with the MD. IDK how I feel about this one to be completely honest.

Edited December 5, 2020 by Junkyard Dog

[Junkyard Dog 11,582]

TBH he'll probably be back at some point. It wouldn't come to a shock for me after this all dies down.

 

Not anytime soon or in the near future though.

Edited December 5, 2020 by Junkyard Dog

[Devron44 11,189]

Good I’m tired of some of these people thinking they got the world figured out. I’m not a fan of wearing a mask and I should do a more proper job of wearing one (damn foggy glasses). But at least I try. These rally’s achieve nothing

[Jaimito 9,214]

His last game I saw was during the Sedin retirement game. Marie was on the game before that on Sedin week. 

 

 

[Coconuts 15,262]

18 minutes ago, coolboarder said:

Being racist or opposing government policies are two different things.  Mark exercised his right as an individual to participate in a community that the government might oppose will not damage the company's reputation.  Opposing any government policy does not damage the Canucks in any way as a brand.  A murderer or a rapist or even racist do damage the reputation so protesting on something is not a crime in itself.    You have to keep in mind that the owner has other interests and his goal is to maximum his profits with other business that he invests, namely real estate business that he is doing all over the city and it is in his best interest to make more money via perks, or tax breaks by any means by scratching the government's back with some backroom deals.  It's like I'll scratch your back if you scratch my back kind of thing is disgusting.  It is not about racist.   I highly doubt that the example you cited out is just a poor example would happen.  Most government worker will not get involved that they knew that it's illegal and would rather to keep their job because they are the government worker and most often that they agree to their policies when  they are hired unless you are a leader of an official opposition party in the parliament.  Most often, the government would rather hire their own people in any government related businesses.

 

I do agree that masks is needed for protection but you cannot take away the individual's right to express his opinion on any government policies.  Going to a rally is your right for as long as it's social distance.  There are a fine line if the government seek to prevent any rallies that is related to the government policies that they try to ban the gathering is wrong.  

Did you watch any of the Canucks draft videos? Did you see how they were wearing masks? Do you have an instagram and follow the Canucks, have you seen the posts of players wearing masks? Have all our players and staff not undergone numerous tests to participate in the playoffs this past summer? The Canucks organization as a whole has been on board with the masks and the like for a good while, from the top down. They take Covid very seriously. Aqua's tweet further cements that. You don't think Donnelly choosing to participate in an event that directly opposes what's likely an organizational mandate at this point isn't a problem? You really don't think that in Vancouver of all places, particularly with Covid cases rising daily around the province, that media wouldn't be ripping on them if they'd stood by and done nothing? Or that having a very well known employee flout what's going on wouldn't look bad in the eyes of many of their fans and consumers? Donnelly made his choice, nobody forced him to make it. 

 

Is it also a business move? Absolutely, the Canucks are as much a brand as they are a team and most who work for the organization definitely aren't doing it for free. As for the government, you don't think the Canucks weren't in talks with them when Vancouver was being looked at as a potential hub city? They're not going to oppose the government on an issue that involves the health and well being of their employees and fanbase. 

Edited December 5, 2020 by Coconuts

[King Heffy 34,165]

22 minutes ago, coolboarder said:

Being racist or opposing government policies are two different things.  Mark exercised his right as an individual to participate in a community that the government might oppose will not damage the company's reputation.  Opposing any government policy does not damage the Canucks in any way as a brand.

It is up to Aquilini to decide what damages the Canucks as a brand, not us.

[Coconuts 15,262]

19 minutes ago, Junkyard Dog said:

In regards to masks it doesn't have much to do with the law and more about policy privacy businesses implement. Private businesses can set guidelines in order for people to shop. No different from no shoes, no shirt then no service. You wanna shop there then follow their rules.

 

Of course there are guidelines/laws the provinces/gov will implement.

 

Rather not get fined and not be able to go into stores.

 

This is mostly true but major corporations also fear cancel culture, good or bad. They all want to look good in everyone's eyes because of that cash mondo. It can cause some problems with suppressing differing opinions though context matters(Like if the person is being racist which is justifiable for termination or something so miniscule/unjustifiable like having a different political/social view). Just look at Hollywood. Pretty much a hivemind over there, everyone thinks alike. Not many people in that sort of industry probably like to differ from each other when it comes to certain issues. All about money and good PR in the end. It's a little concerning but that sort of bad cancel culture is starting to get thwarted out, some people are standing up for differing opinions. 

 

Mostly a side point with that Coco, unrelated with the MD.

There's no question that it's also about money, that's a huge part of it. You mention PR, that's also a huge piece. Aqua and the Canucks will do everything in their power to protect the brand they've built. But yeah, it's likely that there are those of different opinions and views who toe the line as well. That's just how it is sometimes though, sometimes people work for companies with beliefs that don't align with their personal beliefs and that's not always simple thing. 

[goalie13 9,734]

 

[Lancaster 4,991]

He has all rights to believe what he believes in and the team has all rights to terminate his contract... but this is slowly becoming a bit dangerous where there's retaliation for person opinions/beliefs/etc.  

[Alienhuggyflow 985]

47 minutes ago, debluvscanucks said:

A lot of jobs now have stipulations about behaviour that reflects poorly on the organization.  Even outside of work.

 

It's not about "opinions"....it's about blatantly ignoring Public Health orders that result in fines.   These are regulations that are in place and he's defying them.  They have every right to cut ties based on this.  They likely have a contract in place (yes some do work on a contractual basis) that goes over things like this.

Yet if this rally was in support of say BLM most people would be ok with that. There are numerous studies Proving masks don't help all that much.

The only people who have a right to judge are the people who have ceased to go outside therefore guaranteeing they aren't putting anyone at risk.

If you choose to wear a mask everywhere great if that makes you feel safe. So if you believe they work why would you care if someone else thinks differently since your protected from said person due to you wearing a mask?

I just find it odd that pro-mask people say the mask works but then turnaround and say, anti-mask people are putting others at risk but if the mask works why would it matter? Wouldn't the only people at risk be other non-mask wearers? 

Frankly at this point it seems the decision-makers are just throwing crap against the wall hoping something sticks. 

In the grand scheme of things wearing the mask isn't a big deal but imagine if we had a pandemic that killed at a higher rate then something comparable to a bad flu season. Playing fast and loose with rights that are guaranteed and wars were fought over is a slippery slope. 

[Junkyard Dog 11,582]

Just now, Coconuts said:

There's no question that it's also about money, that's a huge part of it. You mention PR, that's also a huge piece. Aqua and the Canucks will do everything in their power to protect the brand they've built. But yeah, it's likely that there are those of different opinions and views who toe the line as well. That's just how it is sometimes though, sometimes people work for companies with beliefs that don't align with their personal beliefs and that's not always simple thing. 

Like I said context matters. Some things just can't be said/believed. These types of things are usually universally disagreed upon by everyone though. Like if someone is being openly racist then 99% of people will agree to can their ass. Hell I might be more willing to go the extra mile if something like that happened in front of me being mixed ethnicity

 

A fine line has to be drawn though protecting free speech(differing opinions) otherwise you get people afraid to speak their minds and following the herd, hence indirect suppression(like Hollywood). The online world made this a lot worse in this regard. It is really easy to discredit/ruin/fire someone. The question is whether or not it is deserving when dealing with these areas that aren't clear cut(aka grey areas).

 

My whole point with that spiel was to bring awareness about it and to encourage investigation and discussion when things aren't clear cut rather than going with the flow. Disagreement is healthy and you broaden your own perspective when opening yourself up to different ones.

 

As I said, Unsure with this one. Don't exactly know the whole story but leaning toward it being understandable from the Canucks given the context known. I just don't like seeing someone like MD getting tossed aside, like from some comments here. He had a lot of good history here.

[Squamfan 6,541]

13 minutes ago, goalie13 said:

 

U know this is fake, there people on Twitter actually believing it 

[Slegr 3,835]

I'm totally cool with this, and got a chuckle from the Canucks owner.

Stupid move by opera man.