The NHL’s Biggest Baby: Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby, next to Steven Stamkos, is arguably the most gifted hockey player the National Hockey League has seen in some time. This much is irrefutable. But the fact remains that Crosby is among the NHL’s most intensely disliked players. Part of this can be attributed to his notoriety and pedigree. As the saying goes, “It’s lonely at the top.” Jun 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; NHL referee Brad Watson (23) talks to Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) on the ice against the Boston Bruins during the second period in game one of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsCrosby has accomplished so much in his NHL career and still has not even reached his prime. He’s been a 4-time All-Star, a Stanley Cup champion and a gold medal winner (which included scoring the winning goal against the USA).

However, the primary reason that Sidney Crosby is so widely viewed with contempt and vitriol is his near-constant penchant for diving to embellish infractions to draw a penalty, and then complaining to both officials and the media. Crosby can routinely be seen falling to the ice as if his leg fell off given the faintest contact with an opponent’s stick. When playing away from home, this “pity me” act draws the ire of opposing fans when they look at the replays.

Crosby has complained numerous times throughout his career about referees permitting “rough play.” During this past postseason’s undressing at the hands of the rival Boston Bruins, Crosby scolded the referees for allowing the Bruins to play “too physical.” Furthermore, he accused Bruins’ big man Zdeno Chara of intentionally punching him in the jaw when video evidence supported nothing of the sort.

Despite his exhaustive list of extraordinary accomplishments in his professional career, the Crosby legacy will be forever tarnished by his disingenuous and childish antics on and off the ice.

Take the poll and let me know if you think Sidney Crosby has been the biggest whiner in the NHL for the past 5 years.