Detroit Red Wings
Bertuzzi Fallout: Social Media Lines Up To Take Jabs At Unvaxxed Red Wing
It didn’t take long for the anti-vaccination stance of Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi to go . . . umm . . . viral.
Folks were more than willing to take jabs at Bertuzzi for not taking his jabs.
Some were baffled at how a professional athlete could be so entrenched in a conspiracy theory that he’d be willing to risk jeopardizing the health and safety of his teammates.
Not to mention all the bank he’ll still be leaving in the bank
Imagine believing in a conspiracy theory so hard that you're willing to give up $400,000. Now excuse me while I DM Tyler Bertuzzi from my Nigerian prince alt. https://t.co/1cRnEbeHbf
— Bonk's Mullet (@BonksMullet) September 22, 2021
A Good Teammate?
Evidently, Tyler also forgot that old saying about there being no I in team.
If I’m a teammate of Tyler Bertuzzi’s, I’m pissed. At him, for his selfishness regarding the success of the team and especially for the risk he’s taking with everyone’s health. At the Red Wings, for not taking a team-first stance in a sport that claims to be about those things.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) September 22, 2021
And that other one about all pulling the rope in the same direction.
Tyler Bertuzzi is putting the team at risk with this decision, and so is the team if they don't rectify the situation.
— Kyle M. (@KyleWIIM) September 22, 2021
Wings coach Jeff Blashill described Bertuzzi as a great teammate, even when the evidence screamed completely the opposite to be true.
It's Tyler Bertuzzi's choice not to get vaccinated, and it's my choice to call him a selfish idiot.
Crazy how that works.
— Jeremy (@Mr__Jeremy) September 23, 2021
Even Bertuzzi’s other boss couldn’t help but get in a suble dig in at the player who evidently doesn’t have a lot of concern for his teammates.
re: whether Yzerman is disappointed in Bertuzzi's decision to not vaccinate, Yzerman mentioned that it's his choice and he can't force him to do it, of course.
Also added: "I'm vaccinated and my family is vaccinated. I'll leave it at that." #LGRW
— Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) September 22, 2021
He Won’t Be Grading An A
Oh, and about that alternate captain’s A that was probably destines for Bertuzzi’s jersey – maybe not so much anymore.
Tyler Bertuzzi deserved to have an 'A' on his chest at the beginning of last year, and I thought he was a slam-dunk candidate for one this year.
After opting out of 10% of the team's games in Canada, I no longer see that happening. And it is a damn shame #LGRW
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) September 22, 2021
Red Wings were questioning whether they could in good conscience invest in Bertuzzi merchandise.
I just called @Fanatics and totally CANCELLED my order for the Detroit Red Wings Tyler Bertuzzi away jersey. I will be purchasing a Dylan Larkin Detroit Red Wings away jersey once they become available at @VintageDet. At least I'M vaccinated!!!👍 #LGRW pic.twitter.com/qeBAe5Ed3d
— Dan Clynick (@dclynick66) September 23, 2021
Of course, you knew that Uncle Todd’s well-publicized past mistakes were going to enter the conversation at some point.
weird for a member of the Bertuzzi family not be into cheap shots
— thomas williams (@nosalaryretaind) September 22, 2021
Well, it is true that it’s not the first time that a Bertuzzi has been the NHL’s poster boy for bad decisions.
Color me shocked that a member of the Bertuzzi family doesn't care about the safety of others! https://t.co/UqmSiOzNWM
— The Give Smart Guy (it's back!) (@BobbyBigWheel) September 22, 2021
Then there were those who wanted Bertuzzi to be aware of the consequences of his choice.
i hope rinaldo and bertuzzi see this and take their heads out of their asses. https://t.co/FwQjxRmkDG
— Ava ʅʕ•ᴥ•ʔʃ (@avatarrant) September 22, 2021
While others seemed to recognize that in certain circles – you know, those who protest outisde hospitals and barge univited into schools – Bertuzzi is now going to be an icon of their anti-vax movement.
One thing seems clear to me: Tyler Bertuzzi has lost (and also probably gained) a lot of fans today. #LGRW
— Devin L. (@HockeyWithDevin) September 22, 2021
Admit it . . . you didn’t expect to see Nicki Minaj and Tyler Bertuzzi in the same tweet.
Wondering if Bertuzzi isn’t getting the vaccine because of what happened to Nicki Minaj’s cousin’s friend.
— Justin (@TheYzerPlan) September 22, 2021
Bertuzzi couched in decision in terms of it being a life choice. Many begged to differ on that suggestion.
It's a "death" choice.
For your loved ones, friends, and, you.#DeltaVariant doesn't care about your feelings.#GetVaccinated Bertuzzi and be done with it.https://t.co/wvBDZLRvf2— 🍷Kim Eckert (@akim_eckert) September 23, 2021
Ultimately, though, it just seemed as though many Red Wings fans were simply hurt and let down by what can be labeled as nothing less than a selfish decision by someone looked upon to be a leader for this rebuilding franchise.
Sad to say, Bertuzzi is disappoint.
Shiny contract the other year, family man, & comedian in Meijer ad but just…not great to hear him refusing the vaccine & his agent not really giving any peace of mind either.
Hopefully he'll change his mind sooner rather than later.#LGRW
— Unsung Octopi Podcast 🐙 (@UnsungOctopiPod) September 22, 2021
Some even pondered whether peer pressure now that he’s mingling with his teammates might cause Bertuzzi to rehink his choice.
Here's hoping once they are together in camp, the players will take care of what management can't regarding Bertuzzi and the vaccine. They need to let him know it's not acceptable to opt out of a decent percentage of games. You're either on the team or you are not.
— John W. (@jmwall24) September 22, 2021