Sports Comment: Lamar Hunt; The Lou Marsh Award.

Lamar Hunt has passed on. To the average Canadian who follows only hockey the Hunt name is just another American name. To the North American sports fan, he stands among giants on the sports landscape.

Of course, Hunt is synonymous with creating the AFL and specifically the Kansas City Chiefs - a league that ended up being a true rival to the NFL before the two leagues merged. Next to Pete Rozelle, it would be hard to imagine a more influential figure than Lamar Hunt in helping to make NFL what it is today.

However, he didn't just restrict himself to football. Hunt dabbled in tennis and soccer - where he was instrumental in creating the MLS. He also had a hand in bringing hockey to the state of Ohio via the Columbus Blue Jackets. I've always felt Ohio could be a viable hockey market and Hunt thought so too.

Professional sports lost a big one this week. It seemed only fitting to contribute and share some words about Lamar Hunt on this blog.

-Quick word on the Lou Marsh award. The Marsh award is handed out annually to Canada's top athlete. It has not, surprise, been without its controversies. Readers may recall when MVP Larry Walker came second to F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve. Walker was none too pleased for having lost to a 'machine.'

This year a similar, albeit, less high profile debate is being whispered among a few sports fans. Olympian and speed skater Cindy Klassen got the nod this year. She became Canada's most decorated Olympian ever in Torino after hauling in five medals (one gold, two silver and two bronze). It was an impressive accomplishment and one that will indeed go down as one of this country's greatest.

Usually, there isn't much debate because choosing a winner in the past has traditionally been easy. Add a little public apathy and the judges escaped scrutiny. Should they get a pass this year?

Who did Klassen beat out? MLB's MVP Justin Morneau, the NBA'S MVP Steve Nash and the NHL'S MVP Joe Thornton.

I know, what constitutes an athlete, Commentator? Some feel an amateur athlete is purer. Suggesting that millionaire pro stars are less so. At times this is true; others it is not. Without getting into any details, I wonder if she should have beaten out any of them. I can overlook Thornton because so many hockey players have won through the years but it's hard to ignore what Morneau and Nash pulled off. For Canadians to be considered the top players in baseball and basketball is a huge thing. I would argue bigger than winning medals. Canada is expected to excel in speed skating and the winter games. The bar is lower with MLB and the NBA.

Just my take.