During the Winter Olympics, Canadian curler Marc Kennedy ignited controversy by declaring that 'the spirit of curling is dead'. This remark came in the wake of accusations directed towards him for allegedly double tapping his stones, a maneuver considered against the rules of curling. The tensions escalated during a match between Canada and Sweden, where Swedish player Oskar Eriksson accused Kennedy of violating the hog line rule, which prohibits players from interfering with their stones after they have been released.

The exchange between Kennedy and Eriksson became heated, with Kennedy denying the accusations and responding with strong language. He insisted he did not breach the rules, while Eriksson countered by promising to provide video evidence of the alleged violation, further fueling the controversy. The situation raises questions about sportsmanship in curling, especially during such a high-stakes event as the Winter Olympics, where every decision can sway the outcome of carefully contested matches.

Commentators and fans have noted that Kennedy's remarks highlight a broader concern regarding the integrity and spirit of the game, suggesting that the competitive pressure may be leading to behavior that undermines the essence of curling. With Olympic stakes high, the incident not only impacts the individual players but also casts a shadow over the sport's reputation on an international stage.