Mitch Marner's grandmother bashes Toronto Maple Leafs sponsor who threatened to sue beloved fan Kurtis
Following the announcement yesterday that Maple Leafs superfan Kurtis from Alberta was possibly getting sued, Mitch Marner's grandmother has spoken out.
Over the course of three years, one small-town Alberta fan has emerged as a source of entertainment for Toronto Maple Leafs fans. Filming a series of animated videos from his memorabilia-filled basement, Kurtis Stevenson has earned a following for his excited commentary and an ever-growing litany of catchphrases. Often seen guzzling large amounts of beer in the videos, Stevenson's love for the Leafs has made him an internet novelty as perhaps their most colorful fan.
But despite that devoted coverage, it would seem the Leafs organization isn't a fan of his work anymore. Stevenson says he recently got a call from his "favorite team" with a threat of possible legal action against him if he kept making his videos. And, really, this looks like a case of beer envy. While the Leafs are sponsored by the Molson Coors family, Stevenson frequently hocks Clock Out beer from Edmonton-based SYC Brewing. SYC even produced a "Kurtis From Alberta" edition of the beer, and said it can be shipped Canada-wide.
For Leafs supporters, this has been a polarizing call: many see Stevenson's videos as innocuous displays of fan support, while many others understand the concern coming from the team about brand conflicts. Still, the move disappointed many who feel he epitomizes the passion and spirit that is Leafs Nation, and his raw enthusiasm has become a staple for many who follow the team online.
One of the more vocal supporters in this regard is Sandra Viau, the grandmother of the Leafs' player Mitch Marner. Viau shows disappointment in the team's decision because she feels that this is not fair to be taking away the freedom of a dedicated fan. She says the videos from Stevenson bring a level of joy to the Leafs' community and can most definitely coexist regardless of his choice of beer. Viau feels very strongly that the conflict of brands does not outweigh his devotion.
It's a question that challenges corporate sponsorship against fan expression. For the most diehard fans, like Sandra Viau, Stevenson's videos represent an authentic outpouring of support, one that should be encouraged rather than constrained. Most look forward to the Leafs accommodating Stevenson's content without hurting their brand partnership so that he is once again able to post his passion into the Leafs community.
