'Dumbest things': Matthew Tkachuk faces fan backlash after taking Stanley Cup to jail in latest celebration stunt
Matthew Tkachuk is no stranger to headline-grabbing antics, but his latest move with the Stanley Cup has fans sharply divided. After helping lead the Florida Panthers to their second straight championship in June 2025, the star forward has taken his victory lap to wild new heights—or depths, depending on who you ask.
From ocean dips to jail visits, Matthew Tkachuk's Stanley Cup celebrations continue to defy expectations
From dunking the Cup in the ocean last year ('zero hours of sleep, about 40 beers later,' as Tkachuk famously put it) to now bringing it into a jailhouse, the 26-year-old winger clearly isn't interested in playing by the NHL's unspoken rules. This week, a viral photo shared by Spittin' Chiclets on X (formerly Twitter) showed Mathew Tkachuk at the Brentwood Police Department—with none other than Lord Stanley by his side.
'Matthew Tkachuk brought Lord Stanley to JAIL 😂,' the post read. And fans had thoughts—lots of them.
NHL fans accuse Matthew Tkachuk of disrespecting hockey tradition
There's a longstanding tradition in the NHL that only members of the championship-winning team may touch, carry, or display the Stanley Cup—and even then, it's expected to be done with a degree of reverence. Tkachuk's jail visit, paired with his party-first reputation, didn't sit well with many purists.
One commenter @KPBails blasted the scene: 'This is one of the dumbest things I've ever seen.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Seniors in the Philippines Can Enjoy Affordable Private Health Insurance! (See List)
Health Insurance | Search Ads
Search Now
Undo
Another user @getmangled added bluntly, 'Lame.' One user @chuckEgoods even questioned the culture of the Panthers altogether: 'Nobody should ever wonder why normal hockey fans don't like that franchise.'
Still, Tkachuk seems unfazed. Speaking during the team's post-win celebrations, he embraced the chaos with a swaggering quip: 'I would like to apologize to absolutely f—–g nobody, because the double champs does what the f— he wants.'
A villain to some, a hero to others
While critics see him as a showboating rule-breaker, many fans—especially in South Florida—view Tkachuk as the fiery heart of a once-overlooked team now basking in hockey glory. Whether he's tossing tradition aside or just having fun, one thing's clear: Tkachuk isn't changing anytime soon. And neither, it seems, is the Panthers' bold new identity.
Also Read:
Mathew Tkachuk injury fallout: Panthers face major setback as star may need surgery and miss 2026 opener
FAQs
Q: Why are NHL fans upset with Matthew Tkachuk?
Fans believe Matthew Tkachuk disrespected tradition by bringing the Stanley Cup to a police station.
Q: What did Matthew Tkachuk say during the Panthers' celebration?
Mathew Tkachuk joked, 'I would like to apologize to absolutely f—–g nobody, because the double champs does what the f— he wants.'
Q: Has Matthew Tkachuk broken
Stanley Cup traditions
before?
Yes, in 2024 he famously dunked the Cup in the ocean after a wild night of partying.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
'It's one Steph Curry' — DeMar DeRozan says copying Golden State Warriors star is misleading for Hoopers
(Image Source - Getty Images) Stephen Curry's groundbreaking influence on basketball has transformed the sport for an entire generation. His unique talent for hitting three-pointers has encouraged numerous young players to mimic his approach. Nevertheless, DeMar DeRozan, a long-time NBA star and six-time All-Star, has a word of caution for aspiring players: pursuing the 'Steph Curry model' might lead them in the wrong direction. DeMar DeRozan tells young players not everyone can be Stephen Curry In the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, DeRozan had a chat with young players and their parents, encouraging them not to feel the need to copy Curry. 'I never want young guys that's coming up to feel discouraged, like they've got to go out there and be Steph Curry,' DeRozan said. 'Everybody's just not going to be Steph Curry. It's one Steph Curry.' His remarks underscore the fact that Curry's skill set stands out, even among NBA legends. DeRozan made this comment while addressing how young players tend to neglect various facets of the game in their quest for Curry-like shooting ability. DeMar DeRozan on Issues with Today's NBA Players, Lost Art of Midrange, Lessons from Master P & More DeRozan went further, emphasizing the uniqueness of Curry's abilities: 'What he's able to do is incredible. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo I think we would never see nobody else like that.' This announcement points out how rare Curry's combination of shooting accuracy, basketball IQ, and stamina is. Being a four-time NBA champion and an 11-time All-Star, Curry's game encompasses more than just three-point shooting. His ongoing movement, ability to interpret defenses, and talent for making space distinguish him as a truly unique athlete. Stephen Curry's Stamina helps sustain him shooting all game long DeRozan being wary is seen in the challenges that the young players encounter whenever they attempt to copy the style of Curry. Most people only focus on his shooting of three pointers, yet most of the time they overlook those details that make him unique. The off-ball movement by Curry is one of the best in NBA history and this has assisted him in making open shots even in the tight defense. His fitness enables him to maintain a strong standard of play in the whole game and it is not something that everybody can achieve. Moreover, shooting mechanics that Curry has practiced throughout the years of his life are hard to replicate. Numerous young athletes who look up to Curry often find it hard to thrive in the NBA. DeRozan notes that players such as Trae Young, the star of the Atlanta Hawks and a great three-point shooter, have their own unique way of playing, even if they share a few traits with Curry. Also Read: Ja Morant's viral dunk in China reignites debate over his NBA Dunk Contest absence despite fan pressure 'It's one Steph Curry,' he remarked, a straightforward but deep recognition of Curry's unique talent. As young athletes embark on their basketball paths, DeRozan's message inspires them to carve out their own niche, allowing them to excel in their own style without pursuing the impossible. FAQs What makes Stephen Curry's game unique according to DeRozan? His shooting accuracy, stamina, and off-ball movement are unmatched. What NBA team does Stephen Curry play for? Stephen Curry plays for the Golden State Warriors. What playing style does DeRozan promote for young athletes? He promotes mastering the mid-range and staying true to one's game. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Tanishk Bagchi on Saiyaara success and lack of credit for composers: 'No name on poster when it is promoted...'
Tanishk Bagchi, the composer behind Saiyaara's success, highlights the struggle for recognition faced by music creators in Bollywood. He acknowledges his father's unfulfilled musical aspirations as a driving force. Bagchi praises director Mohit Suri for supporting composers but expresses disappointment with production houses for overlooking their contributions after a song's success. As Saiyaara continues its dream run at the box office, music composer Tanishk Bagchi is riding high on the film's success. But behind the chartbusters and accolades lies a story of grit, passion, and a long fight for recognition. The composer—whose work has played a vital role in the film's emotional depth—recently opened up about his journey, the legacy of his father, and the industry's persistent failure to credit music creators. The Credit Gap in the Industry In a recent interview with BollywoodShaadis, Tanishk opened up about his deep connection with music, calling every form—be it bhajan, kirtan, or film songs—a form of art. He shared that music is his passion, and whether it's recreating classics or composing originals, he puts his heart into it. However, he also voiced a long-standing frustration faced by many composers like himself and his father: the lack of proper credit. Tanishk pointed out that while songs like Saiyaara become hits and his name is associated with them, people rarely acknowledge the years of hard work behind the scenes. Instead, the spotlight often goes to actors, directors, and promoters who are more socially visible. Carrying Forward His Father's Legacy The composer reflected on his journey and paid tribute to his father, a talented musician who faced many struggles and couldn't achieve the recognition he deserved. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo Tanishk shared that he sees his own success as a continuation of his father's legacy, humbly stating that he's not a big music director, but someone carrying forward his parents' musical gifts. He praised director Mohit Suri for actively promoting composers and supporting their work. However, he expressed disappointment with production houses, stating that once they buy the music and it becomes a hit, they quickly move on to the next project without acknowledging the creators. Tanishk also pointed out how composers are often left out of promotional materials, including film posters and social media. 'I make a song and don't go beating the drums saying I have done it,' he said, highlighting how the hard work of music directors often goes unnoticed in the glamor of film promotions. Recognition Often Comes Too Late Bagchi further opened up about the emotional weight behind his musical journey, admitting that despite putting in immense hard work, recognition often remains elusive for composers like him. He finds it rare when a music director is properly credited and feels strongly that his creative energy comes from his parents, especially his father, whose unfulfilled musical dreams fuel his own drive. He recalled a pivotal moment in his life back in Kolkata, when he first realised that music was his true calling. That decision, he shared, became the defining turning point of his career. From that day onward, he committed to pursuing music with full responsibility, determined to rise on his own without relying on anyone else. For Tanishk, it wasn't just about sacrifice—it was about persistence and holding on, no matter how tough the path.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Could not find the right group of players for national team: Manolo Marquez
After four years in India, Manolo Marquez said it was a dream to become the national team coach Panaji: Manolo Marquez admits he was 'arrogant' in thinking everything would go according to plan with the national football team. A win at home against Bangladesh, a long preparatory camp for the second qualifier and then full-time as India coach. But even before the FC Goa coach could fully step into the role, he knew his time was over. The experienced Spaniard explains what went wrong with his one-year stint as India coach in this exclusive interview with TOI. Excerpts… How would you describe the year that you spent with the national team? Difficult. After four years in India, it was my dream to become the national team coach, but if you look at the results (one win from eight games), there's little I can say. I accept maximum responsibility. Looking back, do you have any regrets, possibly because this may leave a blot on your coaching career? In my first press conference in Delhi, I said that I wanted to find the correct group (of players). I never found that. In eight games, across five FIFA international windows, I called up 49 players, 42 of whom had previously played internationally for at least one minute. My only regret is that I could not find the correct group to work with. There were lot of challenges; some players, for example, arrived in better shape than the others. Would it be any different if you just coached India and not continued with FC Goa? I had two jobs (club and country), which is not very common. But there were a lot of cases in world football. The reality is that things did not work with the national team and worked with Goa (finishing second in ISL and winning the Super Cup). I tried to do everything in the best interest of the national team. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 25 of the Best Cities to Live In Learn More Undo You hold yourself primarily responsible for the results, but did you get enough support from the federation, support staff, players, administrators? Could the federation do better? Yes. The staff? Yes. The players? Yes. It's not about pointing fingers. The reality is that we didn't choose the correct players, at the correct moment. We didn't convert clear chances, but that's part of football. I am grateful to the federation because they gave me this opportunity. But things were not working, and I was certain that I didn't want to continue after the fourth FIFA window (in March 2025) in Shillong. I told myself, 'this is not the place for me.' I informed the federation (verbally), but the time was too short to find a replacement. Manolo Marquez has had successful spells with Hyderabad FC and FC Goa but his India assignment did not go as planned Would you say the same if results were different? Like a win against Bangladesh at home, and Hong Kong away, in the AFC Asian Cup final round qualifiers? Yes, I was very clear, 200%. I was convinced. I wanted to defeat Hong Kong and leave when India is on top, or at least level (with the group leaders). Subrata (Paul, director of the national team) is new to this job. I don't know if he is ready, but he wants to help. I had good conversations with Subrata and (AIFF president) Kalyan Chaubey. Was it a wrong time for you to take charge of the national team? You can never choose. I must say in some moments, I was arrogant. When I accepted a dual role, I knew the international fixtures. I thought some friendlies (for preparations), then a game against Bangladesh at home which we will win. Then a long training camp before the Hong Kong game where we can prepare well. And once that was done (with good results), I would be full time India coach. In terms of preparation, I did everything. I also feel that we don't have the same conditions as the opponents. For Bangladesh, suddenly they have (Premier League footballer) Hamza Choudhary, while Hong Kong played with six naturalised players. They had guys from Cameroon, Chile, Brazil. I feel these Asian Cup qualifiers for India are win-win: If you qualify, the target is achieved. If you don't, India will be forced to change the rules. You cannot keep going down. Your choice of players, both probables and starters, invited criticism… I f you ask 200 people, they will give you 200 different lists. I was wrong because it didn't work out. But if we scored against Bangladesh and Hong Kong from a clear chance, then the selection would be correct. Contrary to what everyone says, the performance against Hong Kong was not a disaster. It was an equal game. Hong Kong played with several naturalised players, who were playing in their league for five or six years. Imagine I have Mourtada Fall, Edu Bedia, Barth Ogbeche (for the national team). The score will clearly be in our favour. The selection of players from FC Goa for the national team also raised questions… It was expected. In the beginning, when Goa didn't start well, we had only two players. At the time, people said I was not selecting players from Goa because I didn't want them to be tired. When we finished the league in good shape, there were five players, of which only two were in the starting lineup. You cannot fight (with everyone). This is part of our job, this is why coaches get paid. Everyone said India needs younger players. But when I give someone a chance, he gets hammered (on social media by fans). A lot of people speak about Indian football, but nobody does anything. If we – I say we because I am a part – want Indian football to progress, we all have to move in the same direction.
