Roberto Luongo's decision to skip the NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta later this month has drawn a fair share of displeasure from media and fans alike.
Hey, I've got four words for you. I'll do it slowly and with emphasis, so please, everyone watch closely. I'm only going to do it once.
Who. The. Hell. Cares.
In terms of significance, the All-Star Game ranks pretty low on the list, somewhere between rookie initiation and pee-in-a-bottle drug test day.
To the chagrin of far too many people missing a hobby in their life, Luongo wants to skip the glorified ice dance competition to spend a little time with his pregnant wife, one of the few remaining days off he will enjoy with her before their first child arrives in April.
What a jerk.
It's hard to believe a millionaire athlete just can't seem to keep his priorities in order, I guess.
A recent report out on the west coast suggests his decision to skip the all-star game might cost Luongo the Vezina trophy.
Gee, save the drama for acceptance speeches at the Academy Awards.
Apparently, that green stuff they're growing out on the west coast isn't all being sold for profit. Some seem to be keeping their own personal stash.
Even for the best goalie in the world - and you'll really get no sane argument that Luongo isn't - accepting an invitation to the all-star game, even for those voted in, is not mandatory.
Nor should it be.
Even after battling an injury earlier this year, Luongo, as we sit here, has played in 38 of 46 games for the Vancouver Canucks. If I am a Vancouver fan, I am breathing a sigh of relief that Luongo is not making the trip to Atlanta.
With a hot Luongo come playoff time, it is feasible the Canucks could run the table all the way to the Stanley Cup final.
But with a burned-out Luongo, and there is no chance for a big bash in Vancouver this spring.
Dedication to his hockey team and the notion of being rested for the playoff run is enough to warrant Luongo's decision.
Dedication to his family and it's a non-issue.
And that alone should be enough to shut the whiners up.