John Scott still mostly can't believe it.
The enforcer was the talk of the town at All-Star media day in Nashville on Friday, even taking a photo of the throng of reporters who wanted to speak with him. After a tumultuous couple of days that saw him go public with the NHL's desire to keep him out of its annual showcase even though he was voted in by the fans, Scott's officially an All-Star. And that's "very cool," he said, according to the Chicago Tribune's Chris Kuc.
Scott even met with commissioner Gary Bettman, who said the 33-year-old journeyman was "welcome to be" at All-Star Weekend, and that the league's happy he is.
"We just had a quick talk because I think he was worried about me not feeling welcome here and me just kind of being uncomfortable with this whole situation," Scott said.
Bettman told Scott the league wanted him to be in Nashville, supports him, and wants him to enjoy the experience; to have fun.
"It was nice to hear that coming from him because there was a time when I was not really sure how the league felt," Scott said. "But he kind of put those thoughts to rest."
Scott's fellow All-Stars have been incredibly supportive of the big man taking part in the weekend festivities. He's felt the love. And now that he can focus on enjoying the weekend, a weight of sorts has been lifted off his shoulders. He's in Nashville, he's going to take part - the debate can finally be put to rest.
"It’s nice everyone has put (the debate) aside and just realized it’s going to happen and let’s ... make the best of it and have a good time," he said.
"It has been difficult," Scott added, "being traded and sent down and back and forth and then with my family - my wife is pregnant (with twins) and expecting in a week or so. (But it’s) nice (now) to enjoy the fruits of all the hardship we dealt with. ...
"(The All-Star Game) is neat. I'm not used to all this (media) scrum and stuff. I'm going to enjoy it and then go back to the real world."
For one weekend, Scott is the furthest from the minor leagues. After what he's been through, it's hard to argue he doesn't deserve it.
