Matthews calls out columnist for reporting Maple Leafs star had COVID-19
Auston Matthews criticized Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons on Sunday night for reporting in June that the Toronto Maple Leafs star had tested positive for COVID-19.
Following Toronto's 2-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game 1 of their qualifying-round series, Simmons asked Matthews for his thoughts on the Blue Jackets' tight-checking style of play. The American forward took Simmons to task before answering the question.
"Well, first of all, I mean it's unfortunate that I'm getting a question from you at this point, Steve, but I just wanted to say I didn't really appreciate the article that you wrote about me a couple months ago. I thought it was a bit unethical, to be honest," Matthews said.
"But moving along," he added before addressing Simmons' query.
Here is the full media availability with Morgan Rielly and Auston Matthews following the Leafs’ 2-0 loss to the Blue Jackets pic.twitter.com/lZyDuXhlHX
— 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 (@dalter) August 3, 2020
Simmons addressed Matthews' comments on Twitter shortly thereafter:
For the record, I have no problem with what Auston Matthews said tonight. He's not a journalist. He's a pro athlete. If we weren't in this COVID situation, I'm sure we would have had the conversation face to face long before this.
— steve simmons (@simmonssteve) August 3, 2020
Simmons reported on June 19 that Matthews had tested positive and was in quarantine in his home state of Arizona. The Maple Leafs stated in response to the report that "a person's medical information in this regard is private" and declined to comment further, citing the NHL's policy regarding the publication of test results.
Matthews confirmed the report a few weeks later but said he was feeling fully healthy ahead of training camp.