What are your thoughts on Chris Chelios' criticism of Bettman, Saskin, Linden, Meehan etc? I know you like both Bettman and Chelios so who do you think is right or wrong?
Also, what do you make of this article?
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=10309
2007-10-18 06:57:36 · 5 answers · asked by Bob Loblaw 7 in Sports ➔ Hockey
First of all, I have never said I like Bettman. My postings have been more to try and get people to realize the difficult situation he has been put in and get people to put the blame where it REALLY resides.
With respect to your question. Unlike the other three sports, the relationship between the NHLPA and the NHL has been almost incestuous. There are a lot of bedmates out there. Alan Eagleson was chummy with Ziegler and Campbell and used information from both of those men to quell insurgents in the union in the past. There have been questions about Goodenow's relationship with Ziegler, and definitely his relationship with Bettman. Saskin - we won't even go there.
Because of the work I do, I have had the opportunity to meet Eagleson, Goodenow, Saskin, and Paul Kelly. Four very different men assigned to do a difficult job.
There are a couple of articles in today's Globe and Mail about the NHLPA/NHL relationship. One dealing with Chelios' comments and the other dealing with the Gord Miller/Daly emails. At the end of the Miller/Daly article, it mentions that the players DON'T CARE about their union.
Sadly, that is a very true statement. NHL players don't trust their union (thank you Alan! thank you Bob! thank you Ted!) and why should they? Alan stole money, Bob stole a season, and Ted spied! Thyere is nothing left for Paul to do other than de-certify them!
Chris Chelios is a very intelligent man, has a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has continued to learn throughout his career. He also has a reputation among his fellow players as a very compassionate individual, a hard worker, and man who gets things done. In a phrase...Chris Chelios is not a stupid man.
Don Meehan has been portrayed/mentioned as an underhanded individual in the past (most superagents have that reputation). I've only had pleasant experiences with the man myself, but agents are always cordial with scouts!
Knowing what I know (and I can't share everything I know or you'll be seeing my *** flying out of these windows onto Bay Street on the news!) I can't see Chelios stating something if it wasn't true. He has an uncanny ability about being right.
The article? I'm not a huge fan of Dowbiggin's to begin with. (and based on that article, not a fan of Eklund - but that's another story for another time)
Today, there are too many groups.
There should be a 30 member group mediated by Gary Bettman, and there is.
There should be a 3000 member strong organization hedaed by Paul Kelly, and there isn't. There are three distinct groups of players. Linden's group, Chelios' group (which includes Trent Klatt, and Eric Lindros), and 2950 others (retired players included) who could care less.....but are ;eaning towards Chelios/Lindros at this stage based on water cooler rumours.
The agents...loosely fall under the NHLPA. Some of the bigger agents (Meehan for example) want more control over the process. When player salaries are cut, agent salaries are cut.
Right now, Paul Kelly has to unite the NHLPA and get the trust he needs to do his job. The players themselves have to get together and realize that they are all in this together, and that their involvement with the NHPLA doesn't end when they take off their skates for the last time. Once there is complete unity within the NHLPA, they can act as a cohesive unit.
As of right now, the criticism that has been levelled against Saskin by Chelios' has been been largely founded and proven. Enough to the point where he was forced out of his position.
The criticism against Linden is unfounded. Many of us have at some point in our lives supported a candidate who was not totally honest, forthcoming, etc. I think Linden is guilty of this. I don't think Ted was calling Trevor in the middle of the night and saying 'I read so and so's email'
Bettman and Chelios have been on the wrong foot since Chelios' mislead comments in 1994 (something Chris has said he is genuinely sorry for) and I don't think that will ever be healed.
Chelios's new criticisms/allegations against Meehan? THis remains to be seen, but I don;t think Chelios makes it public unless he has some documented proof that something inappropriate was said somewhere along the way.
2007-10-18 07:42:53 · answer #1 · answered by Like I'm Telling You Who I A 7 · 11⤊ 1⤋
Cheliosaurus has a point.(No disrespect, saw this nickname in another question recently, and it cracked me up)
Nobody seems to have hockey's true best interests at heart.
We need to stop legislating the passion out of the game. We need to stop emulating other sports, we are unique. We need to stop pursuing the casual fan, our sport does not lend itself easily to the dilettante. Hockey is really for the serious, dedicated fan.
Contraction might be in our best interest, overall; everyone concerened is too busy being selfish to see that.
2007-10-18 08:04:53 · answer #2 · answered by Icewomanblockstheshot 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well, first of all, I wanted to ask a question about this because I read it yesterday, (linked from a different website I frequent) here:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071016/SPORTS05/710160404/1053
If I didn't have to work, I would have beaten you to it, Bob...
Next time!! :P
2007-10-18 08:53:10 · answer #3 · answered by Erica 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bettman is the worst thing that ever happened to hockey. You know hockey is an amazing sport because it survives everything this guy does to it.
2007-10-18 07:12:55 · answer #4 · answered by Uh-oh 3 · 3⤊ 4⤋
cheli is the senior in the nhl he knows what he talkin about
24 FOREVER
2007-10-18 08:07:29 · answer #5 · answered by cleary fan 11 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋