Fierce battles in sports are not only confined to the playing platforms but can certainly spill over into the press room—and quite dramatically, as we saw from a recent interaction between Flyers’ coach, John Tortorella, and journalist, Anthony SanFilippo.
This frostiness traces its origins to a report involving Cutter Gauthier and Kevin Hayes, well-known names in the sports arena.
Flyers’ John Tortorella refused to take questions from Anthony SanFilippo over past Cutter Gauthier/Kevin Hayes report https://t.co/7PeTfkk5QO pic.twitter.com/V2SKji0SLo
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 28, 2024
This charged situation unfolded during a press conference held after the Flyers suffered their fifth straight loss.
Tortorella, obviously frustrated by the team’s performance, faced yet another test in the form of controversial journalist, Anthony SanFilippo from the Snow the Goalie podcast.
Not holding back, Tortorella bluntly refused to entertain any questions from SanFilippo, caught on camera for the world to see.
John Tortorella attacking a member of the media for doing a bad job (his team just lost their 5th straight game) pic.twitter.com/GmA6J7M5lB
— evil gritty (@DrEvilGritty) January 27, 2024
“Are you the guy from last time? I’m not answering any of your questions.” – John Tortorella
The underlying reason for this brief yet impactful exchange can be traced back to a rumour, fittingly published on the rapidly spreading platform of social media.
The journalist, SanFilippo, was responsible for circulating a theory that Kevin Hayes had successfully persuaded Cutter Gauthier to step back from playing with Philadelphia.
This rumour was not received lightly, especially by the annoyed team coach.
Anthony SanFilippo (@AntSanPhilly) of Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) just reported that someone in the #Flyers organization believes “Kevin Hayes’ fingerprints” were all over Cutter Gauthier’s decision.
Lmao. pic.twitter.com/qKAUbgdtg0
— Flyers Nation (@FlyersNation) January 9, 2024
In a follow-up press conference, held the day after news regarding Cutter Gauthier’s trade broke, Tortorella channeled his anger and frustration towards SanFilippo.
FULL VIDEO: John Tortorella ripped into Anthony SanFilippo:
“Is that the podcast? Is that the silly podcast you do?#LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/LKzcqJ1Ccb
— Dylan H. Robillard (@DylanRobillard_) January 11, 2024
“Are you kidding me? You think Kevin Hayes would do something like this? That’s bulls**t. – John Tortorella, the day after Cutter Gauthier was traded to Anaheim”
Kevin Hayes wasn’t silent in this face-off. He too showed his displeasure under an Instagram video, by SanFilippo, proclaiming that Hayes was behind Gauthier’s withdrawal from playing for Philadelphia.
Hayes adopted a clear and forceful approach, fully demonstrating his disdain for the rumour and its originator.
Kevin Hayes response to Anthony SanFilippo reporting that someone in the Flyers organization believes “Hayes’ fingerprints” were all over Gauthier’s decision
byu/electricnux inhockey
“This guy is a c****** clown and he makes shit up.” – Kevin Hayes on Instagram
Bridging this chasm seems far from easy. It currently appears that an apology from SanFilippo to Tortorella might be the only path to thaw this ice.
Until then, it’s reasonably safe to assume that Tortorella will persistently refuse any press conference interaction with SanFilippo.
