The first cut is the deepest

When I got into this business 10 years ago, I quickly realized that youth sports parents are the most delusional people in the world. And not a year goes by when that theory isn't re-enforced.

I once was accused of "defaming" someone's daughter because another girl broke her school swim record and I reported it. And while some parents understand the fact that their son or daughter isn't going pro, some refuse to let that idea go.

A story was recently published about two parents - Vito Valela and David Longo - who have sons in the Greater Toronto Hockey League, and they have filed a lawsuit because the players - Christopher Valela and Daniel Longo - were cut from the team. The defendants in the case are the league, the team and the coaches, each of whom is being sued for $25,000 apiece.

The claims in the lawsuit are laughable.

"Their direct actions have caused irreparable psychological damage to Daniel Longo’s self esteem as an impressionable teenager and demoralized Daniel as an athlete and team hockey player with his peers,” the Longo statement of claim reads. “The conduct by all defendants destroyed the dignity of my son, whom in good conscience gave his team nothing but his best efforts.”

Valela’s statement of claim states: “When Christopher was advised of his termination by my wife and I, he vowed never to play the game he loved since childhood. And, moreover, his misguided group of defendants demoralized my wife and I, whom had gone well beyond the call of duty as parents in support of the Toronto Avalanche hockey team for two seasons.”

If a player isn't giving his or her best efforts, perhaps they shouldn't be playing. And just because the parents ran the snack shack for two seasons doesn't exactly mean their son is cut out for top-level hockey in Canada. Both players competed in the GTHL the prior season and assumed they would a roster spot this year.

Christopher has signed with Hillcrest Summits, the statement reads.

“Thank the good Lord that my son had the courage and strength to compose himself in his demoralized state,” reads the statement of claim.

Yes, thank the good Lord. I'm sure he had a lot to do with this.

Look, cuts are made and it's a part of life. God forbid they actually work hard and earn something. And a note to all of you parents out there, when your son or daughter is cut from a team, it's not always the fault of someone else.