Theo Fleury is becoming a laughingstock and deserves little pity

Talk about a small act wearing very thin.

New York Ranger Theo Fleury is certainly not going to be at the forefront of Gary Bettman's marketing ventures aimed at improving the image of the NHL, not that Bettman has anything in store.

Fleury, once one of the game's most dangerous and respected forwards, especially given his small stature, has fast become a laughingstock, and one who deserves little pity.

Hardly a Ranger game goes by where the toothless wonder doesn't whine and cry how the league's officials have it in for him, and how he's not getting a fair shake with penalty calls, both for and against.

His ranting to the press after games is now as common as that he displays to the refs during the game.

Last Tuesday, after incurring a minor tripping penalty vs. New Jersey, Fleury threatened to retire unless he's allowed to play as he likes.

Clearly, Fleury has let his emotions get the best of him and he's lost any control of them.

Has the one-time Calgary captain forgotten where his team fits into all this?

Is he not aware that New York is fighting for a playoff spot and that the Rangers need his presence and scoring in order to make some noise this postseason?

Incurring senseless penalties for barking at refs, and threatening to retire with six weeks left in the season during a major playoff push, are not the acts of great teammates.

Coach Ron Low said he thought of benching Fleury after the Devils' game, but acknowledged he was too important to have sitting.

Maybe Fleury's not getting the fairest of shakes from the refs, and perhaps some of the calls have been questionable.

Fine. But, Theo, you'd hardly be the first player in NHL history to have some calls go against you, and spouting off endlessly is not going to get the X off your back.

Grow up.

In the meantime, Low or anyone else in the New York organization should sit this whiner down and tell him to get his act together.

Either that, or just follow through on his threat to just retire.