Bob Clarke's "Resignation" in Philadelphia

Maybe it's just another of the seemingly continuous changes in sports management - just one more entry in the 24/7 world of the business of sports.

Or just maybe the resignation of Bob (I still think of him as a toothless Bobby) Clarke is noteworthy as something more.

I'm not quite sure, but I am sure enough to post this entry.

The player Bobby Clarke was known for his tenacity and leadership. He was a player respected for what he had overcome (diabetes and initially eclipsed by more glamorous and perhaps talented players). But when his playing career ended Clarke was to be remembered among the best of them - two Stanley Cups and an inspiration to teammates. He was even respected by foes and fans of other clubs (like this Canadiens fan).

But there was another side to Clarke. For example, the players who showed little class when he viciously slashed a Soviet player in world play in the 1970's. There was the acid tongued and at times cruel manager Clarke (remember Roger Nielsen ?).

So as he leaves his beloved Flyers, we honor Clarke the player. We, however, agree, with Flyer fans who see his departure as General Manager as step in the right direction for a club that has now gone over 30 years since winning its last Cup (It seems almost like yesterday that Serge Savard presented Kate Smith a dozen roses at center ice).

As the new NHL after the lock-out these days has come to represent a more skating less goonish style, perhaps Clarke's resignation may also represent a turning of another page. Although I honestly doubt it, but perhaps the change in regime can mean an ascension for a more holistic and less ruthless approach.

At the very least it should provide some inspiration to those who subscribe that good guys do not have to finish last. For it is now clear that some ruthless guys can also finish there too.