[Professional Blog] #LeaveTheLeafs

It's getting close to the time of year when wives scold their husbands for watching too much hockey.

But my wife hasn't had a playoff problem with me in the 10 springs we've been together. I'm a Leafs fan.

And it's been almost 20 years since we've had a decent playoff run. That's two frustrating decades by a team that put the FU in futility.

And enough is enough.

I'm boycotting the Leafs until they give something back.

Yes, there are more serious issues to focus on, but that's the whole point.

Pro sports should provide a temporary reprieve from the weighty challenges. For decades, I've longed for the Leafs to be a distraction, but they've remained nothing but a disappointment.

This year, after they got off to a blazing start but still failed to make the playoffs, I'm officially disillusioned and done. Seriously, it's almost a scam that a team can take the fans' millions, but continue offering a team that's below mediocrity. And this rebuilding rationale, give me a break.

The Sprung Greenhouse has a better chance of being rebuilt than Toronto's NHL club.

And that's why I'm leaving the Leafs. Until they show signs of serious contention consistent effort, even I won't be watching more of their games on TV or buying any of their merchandise (although the only piece of Leafs gear I own is a jersey). And if the opportunity arises to see them live in Toronto, I'll be taking a pass.

Heck, I don't even think I'll go see the Marlies play the IceCaps at Mile One next season, if offered tickets or the chance to buy them comes my way.

Obviously the dolts in the Maple Leafs head office aren't going to lose any sleep over my boycott.

And that's why I'm asking other Leafs fans to follow me, to jump on a reverse bandwagon and send the team a message that enough is enough.

If you're outside of T.O., don't watch the Leafs on TV or buy their swag.

And if you live in Hogtown, convince the whole city to boycott a Saturday night game (one being televised on Hockey Night in Canada) early in the 2012-13 season. Don't buy tickets and don't go to the Air Canada Centre.

To get the word out, I'll start a #LeaveThe- Leafs campaign through social media. There is a low probability my boycott will change anything, but at least I'm trying something the Leafs organization hasn't done in a long, long time.

Steve Bartlett realizes this column is a departure from his failed attempts at humour. He's just tired of hearing Maple Leafs jokes. However, if you have a good one, email him at sbartlett@thetelegram.com or follow him on Twitter at @SteveBartlett_