A tweet from @theScore on Monday, July 22, 2013 following the re-signing of Winnipeg Jets forward Bryan Little. (TWITTER)
A tweet by sports outlet theScore on Monday had some Winnipeg hockey fans in a flap following a re-signing by the Jets.
Shortly after forward Bryan Little was signed to a new five-year, $23.5 million contract, the Toronto-based website tweeted, “Bryan Little will be living in Winnipeg for another five years. Don’t feel bad, he’s getting paid and everything.”
Often on the receiving end of jokes by our easterly neighbours, Winnipeggers are used to hearing such remarks, especially in the sports world.
Fans were quick to jump on the digital media outlet, calling it “non-professional” and a “brutal post from an eastern network.” The backlash continued as dozens of fans expressed their displeasure. To be fair, though, the tweet did stir up some anti-Winnipeg tweets in agreement with the website’s remarks.
theScore posted a follow-up tweet several hours later, saying, “Bryan Little has signed a 5-year extension to stay in Winnipeg, which is a lovely city.”
In a statement, a network spokesperson told ChrisD.ca, “Those familiar with theScore on Twitter know that we frequently enjoy partaking in occasionally cutting, but always lighthearted, banter with fans of various teams based in numerous cities. Our tweets may often be cheeky, but are never meant to be malicious, and the tweet regarding Bryan Little was certainly meant to be be received the same way.”
