February 16th, 2010

Ryan Miller Olympic helmet controversy: a big deal or overblown hype?  The Olympic committee has so many rules, that it makes many other sports franchises such as the NFL and NCAA look super relaxed.  Among those rules is one that is hitting a US Men’s hockey player head on. 

Ryan Miller has the words “Miller Time” painted on to his helmet, and the words “Matt Man” underneath.  The helmet is to give tribute to his cousin Matt who died of complications of a bone marrow transplant in 2007.

Only…the Olympic committee thinks that the words could be construed as advertisement.  Ryan Miller may have to paint over the logo or cover it with electrical tape.  He says he will fight to keep the words “Matt Man” on his helmet because it is very important to his family.

While it’s understandable that Olympic contenders don’t need to go parading around with advertisements on their helmets, the simple inscription that is meant to be a tribute to someone who passed away shouldn’t drum up the controversy. 

No one is going to make a dime off Ryan Miller’s helmet. If it weren’t for the fuss, the only people who would really understand what it meant would be his family and friends.

With other more serious controversies surrounding the Olympics – such as – oh, say the Nodar Kumaritashvili death – could it be that this helmet fuss is just a way to divert attention?
What do you think about Ryan Miller’s helmet?

Source:
Yahoo Sports