drwscc

Nail. Head. The NHLPA brought in their own Bettman, and are *shocked* that it's come to this. They are like a couple of 3 year olds at a daycare, and a deal is never going to get done.

Nail. Head. The NHLPA brought in their own Bettman, and are *shocked* that it's come to this. They are like a couple of 3 year olds at a daycare, and a deal is never going to get done.

Nail. Head. The NHLPA brought in their own Bettman, and are *shocked* that it's come to this. They are like a couple of 3 year olds at a daycare, and a deal is never going to get done.

firing bettman isn't going to end this lockout or solve much of anything except please the anti bettman crowd who are under the delusion that he is the sole creator of all these lockouts
also according to this article, the union knew about the 48 hour window on friday, not just today

Name the last likeable commissioner in any sport. They all suck, and always have. It's the nature of the beast.

Name the last likeable commissioner in any sport. They all suck, and always have. It's the nature of the beast.

This crap is exactly like politics these days. MY team is absolutely correct, and my opponents are all scumbags who are threatening to ruin the game/country/world. It's like everyone has lost the ability to be objective. NEITHER side has been negotiating in good faith, no matter how you spin it. BOTH sides are greedy and are working to get as much as they can. That doesn't change no matter who the commissioner is. They are fighting a PR war that, in the end, doesn't matter.
If the players caved today, and signed the last offer from the league, would you all be upset and not watch the games because the owners lost the PR war, but got what they wanted? If the league caved, would you be upset? It doesn't matter as long as they come back.

This crap is exactly like politics these days. MY team is absolutely correct, and my opponents are all scumbags who are threatening to ruin the game/country/world. It's like everyone has lost the ability to be objective. NEITHER side has been negotiating in good faith, no matter how you spin it. BOTH sides are greedy and are working to get as much as they can. That doesn't change no matter who the commissioner is. They are fighting a PR war that, in the end, doesn't matter.
If the players caved today, and signed the last offer from the league, would you all be upset and not watch the games because the owners lost the PR war, but got what they wanted? If the league caved, would you be upset? It doesn't matter as long as they come back.

This crap is exactly like politics these days. MY team is absolutely correct, and my opponents are all scumbags who are threatening to ruin the game/country/world. It's like everyone has lost the ability to be objective. NEITHER side has been negotiating in good faith, no matter how you spin it. BOTH sides are greedy and are working to get as much as they can. That doesn't change no matter who the commissioner is. They are fighting a PR war that, in the end, doesn't matter.
If the players caved today, and signed the last offer from the league, would you all be upset and not watch the games because the owners lost the PR war, but got what they wanted? If the league caved, would you be upset? It doesn't matter as long as they come back.

This crap is exactly like politics these days. MY team is absolutely correct, and my opponents are all scumbags who are threatening to ruin the game/country/world. It's like everyone has lost the ability to be objective. NEITHER side has been negotiating in good faith, no matter how you spin it. BOTH sides are greedy and are working to get as much as they can. That doesn't change no matter who the commissioner is. They are fighting a PR war that, in the end, doesn't matter.
If the players caved today, and signed the last offer from the league, would you all be upset and not watch the games because the owners lost the PR war, but got what they wanted? If the league caved, would you be upset? It doesn't matter as long as they come back.

and I would love to see the owners stand against a bunch of greedy players and their greedy union.....oh wait.

You mean the NBA lockout that wrapped up a year ago when the players caved? Or how about the NBA lockout of 98-99, where they lost 30+ games?
Or are you referring to the MLB strike of 1994-1995? The 232-day strike, which lasted from August 12, 1994, to April 2, 1995, led to the cancellation of between 931 and 948 games overall, and the entire 1994 postseason and World Series (also involved Fehr, interesting.)
NFL Refs lockout that ended a couple of weeks ago? 2011 NFL lockout?
Nah, you're right. These guys are saints. :S

You mean the NBA lockout that wrapped up a year ago when the players caved? Or how about the NBA lockout of 98-99, where they lost 30+ games?
Or are you referring to the MLB strike of 1994-1995? The 232-day strike, which lasted from August 12, 1994, to April 2, 1995, led to the cancellation of between 931 and 948 games overall, and the entire 1994 postseason and World Series (also involved Fehr, interesting.)
NFL Refs lockout that ended a couple of weeks ago? 2011 NFL lockout?
Nah, you're right. These guys are saints. :S

You must not pay attention to any other sports. All of those men are despised by the fans of their leagues. Read any articles about Stern or Goodell, and it talks about how they try to out evil each other (Bountygate in the NFL, both leagues have recent work stoppages)
The fact is, it's the Commissioner's job to be the hated "face" of the league. That's why they are paid well. Instead of you hating Jeremy Jacobs, Mike Illitch, and Ted Leonsis, instead you hate Bettman. He doesn't do any of this stuff on his own, but it's all his fault.
Also, thinking someone like Gretzky could be the Commissioner is laughable at best. He has none of the requisite experience, and he's not the type of person that can stand being hated. He was a great player, but was a horrible coach, because that's not where his skills lie. I seriously doubt his ability to score goals will help him in an owners' meeting. IF Bettman gets fired, expect another Commissioner in the mold of Bettman, Goodell, Stern.

On the other side of the coin....
Why didn't Uncle Fehr make the first major concession? I guess Uncle Gary cared a little bit more than Fehr. Especially after Fehr was given the last proposal and he chose not to negotiate by saying it wasn't a game of "ping-pong".
With one major move, the league has the attention of the fans, and most importantly, the players.

I'm not sure I understand you not wanting to talk about other leagues that are way more successful than the nhl and the reasons why they are. There are things that other leagues do that the nhl would be smart to adopt and some things that they need to stay clear of. there is nothing wrong with bringing those facts up. I hope that the 10+ yr contracts are a thing of the past.

Translation: I agree with the players so they are right and should keep talking.
esteef

Bettman is evil and should be called midget some more.
esteef

I will have a hearty laugh when Bettman finally retires, and Gretzky or someone else that everyone is sure is the savior of the game, comes in and picks up right where Bettman left off. The butthurt will be enough to fill oceans.

Pretty much this.

The owners will opt for a lockout the next time they get the chance, regardless of who's Commissioner.
Just saying.

So, it was good then that Jimmy D made his comments, right? He's just trying to force Fehr's hand by talking to the public. It's basic negotiating and he's not doing anything wrong or badly.
It's being petulant, and wanting some attention. Nothing more, nothing less.

Who said I was pro owner? If you look back at previous post it clearly says I'm fed -up with both sides. Also I hate the concussion/injury argument. Barring a catestrophic event whats stopping an injured player from getting a real job like the rest of us? Sure they have a high risk but theyre all well paid to play for a living.
This has nothing to do with free speech. The players can say anything they want (And some of them have) but its always something that ends up making them look bad.
There's an old saying : "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt".

Free speech? Really? There's a big difference between being free to say something and being smart enough not to.
esteef

So, it was good then that Jimmy D made his comments, right? He's just trying to force Fehr's hand by talking to the public. It's basic negotiating and he's not doing anything wrong or badly.
It's being petulant, and wanting some attention. Nothing more, nothing less.