Maple Leafs leading scorer Phil Kessel said Tuesday that the Toronto media mistreats team captain Dion Phaneuf and blasted reporters for being unfair toward the 29-year-old defenseman.

Apparently, Kessel felt he couldn't remain quiet any longer.

"I think the way the media treats Dion in this city is embarrassing," he said to reporters Tuesday.

Kessel did not call out any particular media member but said at least some should be "ashamed" and that they owe Phaneuf an apology.