Ex-Commish Had 'Nothing Left to Prove'

Six weeks after suddenly leaving office, former ADC FHL Commissioner David Watson has for the first time spoken publicly as to the reasons for his departure.

Watson, who served 3 seasons as Commissioner, resigned 3 days before the 2004B pre-season was set to start. Rumours abounded as to why Watson left when he did. Was the pressure of the job too much? Was he being investigated for previously-reported gambling allegations? (See Dec. 18, 2003 story “Sabres Snag Fourth Title in Dramatic Sudden Death Shootout”). Was the prospect of driving to the games without his Captain, Chris “I’ll Do Anything For a Drive” McMaster too much to bear? (McMaster is taking this season off, though that announcement was not officially made until after Watson stepped down).

Customstats.com finally tracked down the ex-Commish in his hometown of Saint John, NB, where he now works for a major telecommunications company. Though he admits to drawing a slightly higher salary than he made in the FHL, Watson contends that money was not the reason for his leaving. “It’s not about money!” he said six times, despite having insisted on receiving a small fee for doing the interview. So what were his reasons?

“I always remember what Michael Jordan said the first time he retired-‘I’ve got nothing left to prove’”, Watson says. “As a player, the motivation was not there to keep giving the fans my best on a weekly basis.”

When it was pointed out to him that in his last season Watson scored but 3 goals, he insisted this was due to McMaster’s insistence on his filling a checking role. “Check my plus/minus” Watson declared, referring to the one stat this League does not keep track of.

As far as his Commissioner duties are concerned, Watson says the same feelings apply. “The League now has 6 solid franchises, a long-term gym lease, and all Finals games are being Webcast.”, he says proudly. However, he does admit to being disappointed for falling short of his goal of a network TV contract.

“All in all, I had a great run”, Watson says, “It was just time to move on”

Notes:

Watson is the second FHL player to move to Saint John since last year; all-time leading scorer John Price relocated in May 2003...Watson retired in a tie for 16th place on the all-time points scoring list. Richard Wanamaker has since passed him...McMaster issued a statement denying the “Anything For a Drive” nickname, and says he has contacted his lawyers regarding legal action against the website and Watson.