The last image we have of Matt Harvey was him walking off the mound in the ninth inning of a do or die game. He was everything anyone reasonably could’ve asked him to be. Perhaps more. I thought that after that night, he would get the benefit of the doubt. I was wrong. 

In a garbage take-down on The Big Lead, Stephen Douglas chastises Matt Harvey for attending a Kings game and the Golden Globes. No, I’m not kidding, and apparently, neither was he. It’s completely unfair and ridiculous to criticize Harvey’s willingness to get ready for the season, and for his attending celebrity events. For starters, does anyone have any evidence that Harvey attending an event negatively impacted his ability to prepare for and/or pitch in a game?  No. 

Secondly, Harvey did everything he could to get ready for the 2015 season. He did what we could to be available, healthy, and effective in the postseason.  He pushed himself further than anyone else has post-Tommy John surgery. You would think he’s forever earned the benefit of the doubt. Apparently not. Apparently attending a Kings game with Pat Sajak means Harvey has punted on the 2016 season. The Golden Globes appearance means he’s only interested in fame and not the back breaking work it took him to get to that point. Nevermind the fact that he was in peak physical form in 2015 despite recovering from major surgery and having been out of baseball rehabbing for a full year.

Also, this article never bothers to criticize Noah Syndergaard for similar behavior. After the World Series, Thor was everywhere soaking up his newfound fame. He took a picture at center ice, center court, and end zones. He was everywhere. No one questioned his dedication. No one questioned his work ethic. No one should have. Harvey deserves the same fair treatment. 

Until such time as Harvey allows his personal life to affect his play on the field, we shouldn’t care. I’ll even go a step further. I actually endorse the way Harvey leads his off the field life. After seeing the 80’s Mets and the Doc and Darryl drug problems, I’m alright with a Mets player who wants to attend a hockey game in his spare time. He’s not hurting anyone. He’s not hurting himself. He’s not throwing a potential Hall of Fame career out the window. 

It’s time to lay off Matt Harvey and give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s earned it. After last year, he showed he will do what’s necessary to help the Mets win a World Series. He will push himself further than anyone had pushed themselves. Afterwards, he will attend a hockey game. 

Big deal. 

Editor’s Note: this first appeared on metsmerizedonline.com