What I've Learned: Tim Thomas is a Disgrace

        Yesterday, reports emerged stating that Tim Thomas is seriously considering taking the 2012-13 season off. This is a man that started his career in Europe, became an NHL rookie at age 30, and then went on to winning two Vezina Trophies, the Stanley Cup, and the Conn Smythe Trophy since. And he's throwing it all away. This stunt that he is pulling proves that he is a disgrace to hockey, as so many people can only dream of accomplishing the feats that Tim Thomas has accomplished. By taking a year off, Thomas is slapping the face of hockey fans everywhere. He's taken everything he has gotten since becoming a superstar for granted. Most players would give anything to still be playing the game at the NHL-level at the age of 38, but Thomas' mind is clearly elsewhere. The reports say that Thomas wants to spend more time with his family, but if he really wants that, then he should retire, like Nicklas Lidstrom did only a few days ago. 
        If he doesn't play this season, he will be suspended by the Bruins, and likely not be re-signed by the team when his contract is up this year. Since his contract was signed when he was over the age of 35, the $3 million dollars that he is scheduled to make this year will still go against the Bruins' salary cap. This proves that Thomas thinks that he is above everyone else, as he is putting the Bruins in a difficult situation because of his selfish reasons. Tim Thomas is setting a bad example for young hockey fans everywhere, as well as his kids. He is teaching them that it is ok to not follow through with something, even if they are obligated to do it. 
        Thomas also said that he would like to play in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, but let's be realistic here. If he's going to take an entire season off, will he even be in anywhere the shape that he is in now? No Only the best of the best go to the Olympics, and taking off a year will slide him down the depth chart of goalies that have a shot at representing the United States at the 2014 Olympics. After next season, who is going to want him on their team? No one. He's proven time and time again, with this and his snubbing of the White House, that he doesn't always respect his commitments. What if midway through another season, he decides he wants to take the rest of the year off? Then the other team that signed will be screwed. All of these questions prove that, if Thomas doesn't play this year, there will be no place anywhere in hockey for Tim Thomas.