Brian Burke Back on Job as U.S. Olympic Hockey Team GM Following Death of Son
Less than a week after burying his gay son Brendan, Toronto Maple Leafs coach Brian Burke was working again on Friday night, as general manager of the U.S. Olympic hockey team.
Said Burke: "My family needs me to be strong right now and my teams need me to be strong -- Toronto and this team,". So I think part of leadership is dealing with personal adversity or personal difficulty. So no, there was never a thought of not coming or doing anything different. The one change I made was that I didn't feel like marching in the Opening Ceremonies (Friday night). But my son would have wanted me to be here."
Burke discussed his son's death on Sunday following a news conference: "I cry less every day. It's been … it's been tough. I just think about him. He would have wanted me to do this. ... He was a courageous kid -- a very gregarious kid, a very compassionate kid. He was very bright and cared a lot about people. The saddest part about it was that his future was so bright. The sky was the limit for this kid...We're putting one foot in front of the other, that's what we're doing. "I was asked to do a job here and I'm going to do it. The fact that I've had a tragic event in my life shouldn't change that. USA Hockey asked me to do a job and I'm going to do it."
I feel sorry for this man to have his son come out and then have this bright, compassionet person die tragically. I am very sad so soon for this young mans life, oh yeah bitches my spelling is off but just came back from going out. Good bye brenden you left too soon.
Posted by: david | Feb 15, 2010 1:44:06 AM
;(
Posted by: FizziekruntNT | Feb 15, 2010 1:59:22 AM
I think the story is in the father's acceptance, not the fact that some entitled brat bit it early.
Posted by: Doug Berman | Feb 15, 2010 7:56:04 AM
Doug you're gross. Have a little respect.
Posted by: The Milkman | Feb 15, 2010 8:53:51 AM
Doug your comment is disgusting, obviously your father has issues with you, you come across as a petty little man. by the way your boyfriend thinks so too.
Posted by: Darrell | Feb 15, 2010 1:02:00 PM
Berman, you are one sad POS. What is it about this poor kid that gives you such a hardon? This is at least the third time you've felt it necessary to trash a posting about this tragedy. Get therapy. And in the meantime, please stay away.
Posted by: freddie | Feb 15, 2010 1:19:01 PM
Just curious Doug how well you actually knew Brian Burke that you could make such a comment? Please tell the rest of us so that we can determine whether your comments are justified or if you're just being a stereotypical judgement bitter queen.
Posted by: ChrisM | Feb 15, 2010 1:35:19 PM
BTW, the Wiki article on Brendan Burke was ruled as a "keep". A lot of editors located great sources to establish Brendan Burke's notability, so give them a kudos if you're a Wiki editor or frequenter. Also read up on Burke's impact. It's a pretty good read. Really a tragedy. :/
Posted by: luminum | Feb 15, 2010 2:39:36 PM
I find this story extremely sad.
Posted by: Bob | Feb 15, 2010 5:25:23 PM