As the Boston Bruins head into training camp without Jeremy Swayman due to a contract negotiation impasse, tensions are on the rise. On September 18, just before camp started, Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney addressed the media and took a shot at the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast for spreading false rumors about Swayman’s contract situation. Sweeney, speaking at Warrior Ice Arena, expressed his frustration, calling the rumors “b******” and mocking the podcast’s name by referring to it as “Spitting Up On Yourself.”
It was an unusual outburst from Sweeney, who is not typically known for such remarks during media sessions. He emphatically denied a claim made by Ryan Whitney on September 4, stating that the Bruins had offered Swayman a four-year, $6.2 million contract but had not communicated with him for over three weeks.
“That’s not true,” Sweeney stated. He further commented, “My son is a big fan of (Spittin’ Chiclets co-host Paul Bissonnette) and thinks he’s fantastic. I agree that he’s a great entertainer, but they’re wrong. And that’s okay—it’s part of the business these days. But don’t report opinions or beliefs as facts. That’s all I’m asking.”
I love Don. I love Don’s son. I love lamp. Although Don is reporting fake news about fake news, apparently. I did not report 1 thing about the Swayman signing. It was Squanto’s father who reported it. I stand by my partner. #RumourBoys https://t.co/O4BcoDaQvO
— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) September 18, 2024
Following Don Sweeney’s public criticism, Paul Bissonnette, co-host of the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, was quick to respond. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Bissonnette defended the podcast, adding a humorous twist to the situation and clarifying that it was his co-host Ryan Whitney, not him, who reported the controversial information. “I love Don (Sweeney), I love Don’s son, I love lamp,” Bissonnette joked. “But Don’s spreading fake news about fake news. I didn’t say anything about the Swayman signing. That was Squanto’s father [Whitney]. I stand by my partner.”
While Jeremy Swayman remains unsigned and absent from training camp, Sweeney remains optimistic that a deal will be finalized before the December 1 deadline, after which Swayman would be ineligible to play this season.
“Every day Jeremy’s out, it hurts our team and hurts him,” Sweeney told the Boston Globe. “He’s chosen to wait, and that’s his right until a contract is agreed upon.”
