I never thought I could hold as much disdain for a hockey player as I do for Sean Avery.
I was wrong.
Steve Downie, you now, officially, carry that torch of biggest jackass in hockey.
You might think Downie would be skating on eggshells for the remainder of his rookie season considering he became a marked man when he launched himself at Dean McAmmond in the pre-season.
Think again.
In front of a national television audience in Canada Saturday, Downie, on an evening he scored his first NHL goal, proved to most of the hockey world, yet again, just how gutless he is with another act of cowardice. This time the victim was Toronto's Jason Blake.
Downie's propensity for violence has got nothing to with the Flyers, who have put together a rather dubious rap sheet so far this season. It goes back a lot further than his NHL days, which so far amounts to the pre-season and four regular-season games.
Play the game with some balls, rookie. Show a little respect. If you're going to hit someone, at least be facing him.
It's what men do.
Never mind waiting until the linesmen jump between you and your opponent - in this case Blake, a pacifist if ever there was one - before showing your "toughness" with an unexpected poke in the eye. Do it face-to-face or, in Downie's case, shield to shield.
Downie may as well draw a large red ‘X' on his back. He is officially a marked man and players, in case you haven't noticed, tend to have long memories.
Rookies, particularly those with a history like Downie's, should not be stampeding into the league, picking their spots and then scurrying back into their hole.
There's nothing wrong with playing the game with an edge.
But by taking liberties with opponents, as he has done twice since September, Downie is making a name for himself with his NHL brethren. Terms of endearment, they are not.
One thing is a sure bet. It's just a matter of time before Downie gets what is coming to him.
Namely, a healthy dose of right hands.
Count me among the many hoping that day is sooner rather than later.