UPDATE: In response to my original post, a lawyer for Mr. Tlusty has demanded that I remove the images. The letter I received argued copyright infringement and interference with his ability to earn a living. I find the argument regarding copyright to make a lot of sense—he obviously took them. Copyright is so unevenly asserted on the 'Net, many people think everything is free, and that "in public" means "in the public domain."
Were it a matter of great importance to me—which it is not—I would probably argue that at this point, the images are a news story and could easily be seen to exist under the fair-use umbrella. I would also argue that any possible damage to his "ability to earn a livelihood" was of his own doing.
I happen to think it's ridiculous that anyone should lose his job due to this kind of harmless, widespread conduct.
I will say one aspect of the legal letter is untenable—removing any commentary on the photos. These photos have been seen by everyone and their Canadian brother and newspapers have commented on them extensively. Everyone has an opinion and is free to state it. I don't have much to say about them, really, except "wow, he's cute." If he wants to sue for that, he'll lose—just gimme one sighted person on that jury!
All that said, lots of luck to the Maple Leaf, whose initial response was so European and laid-back, but who is now discovering that the powers that be would rather keep him in Czech.
Ah, youth. A major-league player making a major-league goof. Gotta love it!
Posted by: John | November 08, 2007 at 07:28 PM
This is the kind of youthful indiscretion that should be made far more often.
Posted by: Matthew Rettenmund | November 09, 2007 at 09:31 AM
I've never been one to stare...but if all the Leafs looked like this on the television, I might watch more of their games!
Posted by: Jay | November 14, 2007 at 01:31 PM
Honestly, why are people making such a big deal about this? He is a hockey player afterall. What do you people think these guys do after each and every game? Look for some tail and hang out with their wang out. The guy sent pictures to some chick on the internet, just like I am sure a million other men do on a daily basis. Drop it. The kid was having a good time, what does this have to do with the NHL or hockey itself? DING DING DING, that's correct, NOTHING....what he does in his personal life is his business. For parents that are using the "I don't want my kids seeing these photos because they look up to him as a role model" who lets their children search JIRI TLUSTY PENIS on google anyways? Monitor your kids internet activity, and chances are they aren't going to see the pictures.
Posted by: Monica | November 14, 2007 at 03:37 PM
Monica: I'm not outraged or against what he did. The point of my post is to say wow, he's cute. I think anyone who's morally outraged is stupid and small-minded and...wow, he's cute.
Posted by: Matthew Rettenmund | November 14, 2007 at 06:06 PM
WOW COME ON IS IT ALL EVERYONE CAN DO IS PICK ON SOMEONE FOR HAVING FUN AND WELL ATLEAST YOU CAN SEE THAT BOY DONT TRUST PEOPLE ON THE COMPUTER .. YOU WOULD THINK THAT U CAN SEE ALL KINDS OF NUDES ON HERE.. AND WELL WE DON'T MAKE A BIG DEAL OF THEM SO HEY LEAVE IT ALONE GET OVER IT .. IT IS A NUDE WOW LEAVE THE GUY ALONE
Posted by: E | November 14, 2007 at 06:07 PM
Ha ha ha All I can say is
What a Weiner!
Ha ha ha
Posted by: Starlett | November 14, 2007 at 07:01 PM
someone gave him the shaft!! :O
Posted by: eap1973 | November 14, 2007 at 10:25 PM
What's the 'big' deal. Its not like he is really hung. It so dark you can't even see his balls.
Posted by: RR | November 14, 2007 at 10:29 PM
definitely will watch more hockey now. want to see MORE of Tlusty. Cute and knows how to have fun.
Posted by: NOWaFAN | November 14, 2007 at 10:30 PM
looks good to me.
Posted by: angrycitizen | November 15, 2007 at 12:34 AM
I would recommend Jiri Tlusty to submit this photo to Bel Ami. I'm sure, he will become a popular gay porn star in Czech Republic.
Posted by: CN | November 15, 2007 at 02:42 AM
There's nothing wrong with a naked body. Underneath our clothes, we all have one! However, sending pictures without a clear invitation to do so is not such a smart idea.
Also... He's quite yummy.
Posted by: Jane | November 15, 2007 at 11:17 AM
flacid it is not neither erect is it just a tumenscence it happens to young men all the time. what is all the fuss about ? Michalangelo's David is much more sexy
Posted by: Methuselah | November 15, 2007 at 11:24 AM
The only thing that disgusted me about this is that i was unable to print and save the pic before its removal....its always nice to have something nice to look at after the boys lose another game..you were ever so cute in the pic, unihibited and pure. Hey i'll take as many pics of you and Darcy as you want....
love your leaf fan
1tuckerlover
Posted by: kelly | November 15, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Oh, thank thee, Google Images.
Posted by: James | September 28, 2008 at 07:18 PM