Rielly’s ‘girl’ comment causes Twitter uproar

Detroit Red Wings center Cory Emmerton defends Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. (Paul Sancya/AP)

Sportsnet Staff February 20, 2015, 3:50 PM

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly found himself in some social media hot water Friday after saying the following to a reporter.

Morgan Rielly today said positive approach, strong work ethic during tough time was key. "You're not here to be a girl about it."

— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) February 20, 2015

As you might expect, response to the tweeted comment attributed to the 20-year-old elicited an immediate and passionate reaction on Twitter. Here’s a sample:

https://twitter.com/ladyhabs/status/568842945396387840

https://twitter.com/milz11/status/568842661010010112

https://twitter.com/ThomPauly/status/568842607117213696

Morgan Rielly comments are important to learn from. Don't blame dressing room lexicon for mistakes. Educate yourself.

— Clair Cornish (@turkjr19) February 20, 2015

Morgan Rielly's a smart kid. Made poor word choice and I'm sure he'll own up to that. Dressing room lexicon isn't the most advanced…

— James Mirtle (@mirtle) February 20, 2015

https://twitter.com/laurenk24_/status/568842109219938305

https://twitter.com/bradyfan590/status/568833784260530176

https://twitter.com/TheGameSheet/status/568845245103923201

Rielly's comment is a reminder that we still have some serious work to do at feminism's most basic level: being a girl is not bad #LikeAGirl

— maggie (@backchecking) February 20, 2015

Interesting that Rielly's comments coincide with the one year anniversary of our women's team winning gold. #WinningLikeAGirl

— Leafs Lady (@Leafs_Fan_Chick) February 20, 2015

Morgan Rielly is a sexist, William Nylander is a bust, Randy Carlyle was a good coach. This must be Post-Apocalyptic Leafs Nation.

— Chris

I know what Rielly said was wrong and inappropriate, but honestly, I'm not even offended by it lmao

— kaitland (@kcparentx) February 20, 2015

No ill will on Rielly's part. Simply discussing positive mindset he's tried to keep during Leafs struggles.

— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) February 20, 2015