Avery comments & suspension

[BlueMonk 102]

Regardless of whether or not people agree with this particular suspension, I'm always amazed that some people actually like the guy. Count me in the "If making the league more marketable means more guys like this, then let's stick with a cult following and a TV deal with Versus" camp.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

Ozzie's comments about how no one should talk about a women that way is too cute and sweet!

My whole thing on this is yeah he was out of line, and maybe a 1 or 2 game suspension should do it. Anything more is a bit much.

[Opie 308]

I didn't respond to someone questioning why I thought this suspension was unfair/ they were unfairly watching him:

Pronger gets 8 for trying to remove someone's leg (exaggeration I know) yet Avery (Whom I strongly detest) gets indefinite for what he said. This is like the NBA cracking down on KG being emotional in the game. After wagging his finger in the face of a point guard he was pressing on the way up the court, the PG could not get by Garnett, a 7' power forward. Jose Calderone got upset at KG and looked to the ref to make him stop, then the team called a t.o., Calderone went back to the ref to complain that Garnett was being unsportsmanlike and should have a technical foul.

His commets on the ice are dumb but he is being targeted, if this was Malkin, Ovechkin, Crosby, Pronger or someone of that stardom there is no way in hell they get suspended.

Edited December 4, 2008 by Opie

[esteef 2,679]

I expect better from you, esteef. That the NHL is at the bottom of the totem pole doesn't mean my ideas have any less weight and that incidents like this one are suddenly OK. If anything, it makes the latter even more deleterious than it otherwise would be (which was sort of my point in the first place). Hell, the trap is one of the reasons the league's at the bottom to begin with. So what are you saying? Not addressing the trap will surely help move the league from the bottom?

Again: think, people.

Those things you mentioned have already been done is my point and hockey is still where it is in US ratings. I don't like prima donna players either, but I'm not naive enough to believe they don't put butts in seats and eyes to the tv set. Like it or not, that kind of uncomfortable ugliness sells tickets. If the NHL wants to keep its gentlemanly, every player respects each other, talk boring like a robot who can barely speak english during interviews type league, that's great but it will never stack up against the other more controversial/flashy leagues in the US as far as popularity and ratings go.

esteef

[The Secret 304]

I didn't respond to someone questioning why I thought this suspension was unfair/ they were unfairly watching him:

Pronger gets 8 for trying to remove someone's leg (exaggeration I know) yet Avery (Whom I strongly detest) gets indefinite for what he said. This is like the NBA cracking down on KG being emotional in the game. After wagging his finger in the face of a point guard he was pressing on the way up the court, the PG could not get by Garnett, a 7' power forward. Jose Calderone got upset at KG and looked to the reg to make him stop, then the team called a t.o., Calderone went back to the ref to complain that Garnett was being unsportsmanlike a should have a technical foul.

His commets on the ice are dumb but he is being targeted, if this was Malkin, Ovechkin, Crosby, Pronger or someone of that stardom there is no way in hell they get suspended.

Come on? Being targetted... do you really believe that? He has set this whole thing up himself and has absolutely no-one to blame but himself. Don't forget that Avery is a repeat offender and I highly doubt you would ever hear anything of the sort from a hockey player.. Malkin, Ovechkin, Crosby or Pronger.

Not sure how people could really defend this guy? Especially hearing the players and coaches comments on him from around the league and everyone agreeing that his crap doesn't belong in the game... not the way he does it. Again, the worst part is he could be a good hockey player if he'd just play the game like above mentioned hockey players.

He will justly get a few games suspension but the real damage is what he has done to outcast himself from his team. Why on earth would you work so hard to become a pro in a very hard game, get yourself a great money contract, only to let your mouth ruin it? Maybe he really wants to be thrown out of hockey to pursue a job as a fashion designer at Vogue? I bet this isn't publicity is not exactly what Vogue wants to be known for either.

[Dabura 12,232]

if this was Malkin, Ovechkin, Crosby, Pronger or someone of that stardom there is no way in hell they get suspended.

That's sort of the point, though. Avery has made himself a problem; he's demonstrated he's completely willing to cross the line. Considering the fact that he's one of the most popular guys in the NHL outside of the die-hard hockey fan constituency, that can be more damaging for the league (and hockey in general) than a Pronger elbow.

[Dabura 12,232]

Those things you mentioned have already been done is my point and hockey is still where it is in US ratings. I don't like prima donna players either, but I'm not naive enough to believe they don't put butts in seats and eyes to the tv set. Like it or not, that kind of uncomfortable ugliness sells tickets. If the NHL wants to keep its gentlemanly, every player respects each other, talk boring like a robot who can barely speak english during interviews type league, that's great but it will never stack up against the other more controversial/flashy leagues in the US as far as popularity and ratings go.

esteef

Again, I'm not saying the NHL should cater to "church ladies" and breed players who "talk boring like a robot." But it also shouldn't embrace over-the-line antics like this. That the league is still a bastard child in the States doesn't suddenly mean it's OK to let Sean Avery do and say whatever he wants. To me, it makes a lot more sense to think the ticket to heightened popularity and respect for the league is not through pimping jackasses who talk trash on women and people with speech impediments, but rather, through implementing smart marketing strategies -- and, crucially, doing so shrewdly. I think the problem with the current "regime" is that it really isn't very smart or savvy when it comes to the kind of marketing I'm talking about.

[Opie 308]

Come on? Being targetted... do you really believe that? He has set this whole thing up himself and has absolutely no-one to blame but himself. Don't forget that Avery is a repeat offender and I highly doubt you would ever hear anything of the sort from a hockey player.. Malkin, Ovechkin, Crosby or Pronger.

Not sure how people could really defend this guy? Especially hearing the players and coaches comments on him from around the league and everyone agreeing that his crap doesn't belong in the game... not the way he does it. Again, the worst part is he could be a good hockey player if he'd just play the game like above mentioned hockey players.

He will justly get a few games suspension but the real damage is what he has done to outcast himself from his team. Why on earth would you work so hard to become a pro in a very hard game, get yourself a great money contract, only to let your mouth ruin it? Maybe he really wants to be thrown out of hockey to pursue a job as a fashion designer at Vogue? I bet this isn't publicity is not exactly what Vogue wants to be known for either.

That's sort of the point, though. Avery has made himself a problem; he's demonstrated he's completely willing to cross the line. Considering the fact that he's one of the most popular guys in the NHL outside of the die-hard hockey fan constituency, that can be more damaging for the league (and hockey in general) than a Pronger elbow.

I am not defending the guy in the least, but I think the indefinite suspension was over the top when Pronger gets 8 for the stomp and it was his 7th career suspension, how many times has Avery been suspeded.

Pronger has a history of dirty violent acts, was he suspended indefinitely, no 8 games why, because he is a star.

Much the same reason Simon lost a season to almost the identical act as Pronger.

I don't like the guy and wish he was suspended forever or banished to the KHL but this is not the offense to do that with.

Edit: After thinking about it I guess the problem with my post is the word targeted, I should have said unfairly punished or overly punished.

Edited December 4, 2008 by Opie

[egroen 384]

Sucks for Aves, if only he wouldn't have lied about the actual numbers... he would be playing again!

Filthy fiftieth?

[toby91_ca 620]

I am not defending the guy in the least, but I think the indefinite suspension was over the top

Indefinite just means the number hasn't been set yet. It was indefinate pending a hearing with the NHL. For his comments alone, probably warrants 1-3 games, but I think most people are thinking he should be gone for 5 because everyone is getting sick of the guy, including his own team and if you read Bob MacKenzie's recent article, it looks like there is a chance that he'll never play a game with them again, they are really fed up with the guy.

[Opie 308]

Indefinite just means the number hasn't been set yet. It was indefinate pending a hearing with the NHL. For his comments alone, probably warrants 1-3 games, but I think most people are thinking he should be gone for 5 because everyone is getting sick of the guy, including his own team and if you read Bob MacKenzie's recent article, it looks like there is a chance that he'll never play a game with them again, they are really fed up with the guy.

I understand the term indefinite, but this as you said will probably turn into the end of his season (you said with Stars). With what has been said about the guy by players now, ot just media, who is going to pick him up, with the Broduer thing and now this.

The league had to review Pronger's stomp and at first no suspension then 8 games, come on you don't see the double standard at all?

[The Secret 304]

I am not defending the guy in the least, but I think the indefinite suspension was over the top when Pronger gets 8 for the stomp and it was his 7th career suspension, how many times has Avery been suspeded.

Pronger has a history of dirty violent acts, was he suspended indefinitely, no 8 games why, because he is a star.

Much the same reason Simon lost a season to almost the identical act as Pronger.

I don't like the guy and wish he was suspended forever or banished to the KHL but this is not the offense to do that with.

I think the indefinate suspension was what they had to call it because they have never had to deal with something like this before.... not tthis extent and its uncharted territory I suppose. I think they gave the indef suspension until his meeting today and then will be handed a more appropriate punishment. Indefinate meaning unsure how long not indefinate meaning permanent.

Physical acts in a physical game is a different story all together. They have to draw a line as to was is acceptable and what is not and they enforce it. The game has changed and so the rules will have to and the punishments as well.

[OsGOD 3]

I understand the term indefinite, but this as you said will probably turn into the end of his season (you said with Stars). With what has been said about the guy by players now, ot just media, who is going to pick him up, with the Broduer thing and now this.

The league had to review Pronger's stomp and at first no suspension then 8 games, come on you don't see the double standard at all?

I sure do...

Sticks and pucks and skates and elbows will break my bones... but names will never hurt me........

why suspend at all... maybe dock pay. How long was that dude throwing out racial slurs on the ice suspended for a few years ago?

Edited December 4, 2008 by OsGOD

[egroen 384]

I also can't stand the NHL at times because it puts me in a position to defend guys like Avery and Simon!

How long was that dude throwing out racial slurs on the ice suspended for a few years ago?

Ah, speaking of Simon!

Mike Grier supposedly was slinging insults about Simon being native american (his father is, his mother is canadian), and Simon called him a n!gger. I dont think any of it was ever substansiated, but Simon received a 3 game suspension, largely because he already had a "history" by that time.

Make of it what you will, but it seems like both of them should have been suspended if it actually happened.

I have continued beef with Simon's 30 day suspension for stomping and Pronger's 8 day suspension (ending conveniantly right before the playoffs started). Both players had been suspended the exact same amount of times.

Edited December 4, 2008 by egroen

[ManLuv4Clears 7]

Those things you mentioned have already been done is my point and hockey is still where it is in US ratings. I don't like prima donna players either, but I'm not naive enough to believe they don't put butts in seats and eyes to the tv set. Like it or not, that kind of uncomfortable ugliness sells tickets. If the NHL wants to keep its gentlemanly, every player respects each other, talk boring like a robot who can barely speak english during interviews type league, that's great but it will never stack up against the other more controversial/flashy leagues in the US as far as popularity and ratings go.

esteef

Totally true statement, I think a lot of people have a hard time coming to terms with this.

[Dabura 12,232]

Opie, like I said, what Avery did and the implications of this action, combined with his history, make this a very serious matter for the league. A lot of people see this as "just some comment." What I've been trying to show is that this is not just "some comment" and is not about this one isolated incident. Avery is the face of the league to certain demographics. It is with this in mind that the league has tolerated his crap in the past. But now he's gone and crossed the line, saying something that has absolutely no place in hockey. That's really bad news considering the fact that he's an unofficial league representative -- an "ambassador," if you will. So, what he's done reflects poorly not only on him, but also on the league and on the sport at large. Chris Pronger? Pronger doesn't get the kind of attention Avery gets. Generally speaking, an Avery incident like this is guaranteed to get more press than a Pronger elbow.

[Opie 308]

I also can't stand the NHL at times because it puts me in a position to defend guys like Avery and Simon!

Ah, speaking of Simon!

Mike Grier supposedly was slinging insults about Simon being native american (his father was, his mother is canadian), and Simon called him a n!gger. I dont think any of it was ever substansiated, but Simon received a 3 game suspension, largely because he already had a "history" by that time.

To the first part:

AMEN 100% in mother f*&king agreement!

When I have to defend what a guy who swung a stick at another players face is saying, that bothers me, but what bothers me more is Simon is right!

Edited December 4, 2008 by Opie

[Dabura 12,232]

It boggles my mind that we've talked about this for 18 pages. The guy's a jackass, he crossed the line, and now he's paying for it. It's really that simple. His own team won't even come to his defense.

[Opie 308]

It boggles my mind that we've talked about this for 18 pages. The guy's a jackass, he crossed the line, and now he's paying for it. It's really that simple. His own team won't even come to his defense.

Do you think he is done in the NHL, I am starting to think so because of your last sentence!

[Dabura 12,232]

Nah, he'll be back.

[Mors 201]

As I said in the earlier thread about this, considering some of the incredibly dangerous plays by "star" players (Pronger anyone?) that the NHL has failed to properly punish, a suspension because of inappropriate comments to the media is a joke. A fine is perfectly justifiable, but regardless of how sensitive you are, it's not appropriate to suspend a player based on his words. No other professional sports league would do this.

[Opie 308]

As I said in the earlier thread about this, considering some of the incredibly dangerous plays by "star" players (Pronger anyone?) that the NHL has failed to properly punish, a suspension because of inappropriate comments to the media is a joke. A fine is perfectly justifiable, but regardless of how sensitive you are, it's not appropriate to suspend a player based on his words. No other professional sports league would do this.

NFL would they have a player conduct policy, actions and words count!

They haven't yet but the rule is in place!

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

As I said in the earlier thread about this, considering some of the incredibly dangerous plays by "star" players (Pronger anyone?) that the NHL has failed to properly punish, a suspension because of inappropriate comments to the media is a joke. A fine is perfectly justifiable, but regardless of how sensitive you are, it's not appropriate to suspend a player based on his words. No other professional sports league would do this.

It happens in other leagues, though usually the suspension is handled by the team, not the league itself.

[egroen 384]

Do you think he is done in the NHL, I am starting to think so because of your last sentence!

No. He will play out this year in Dallas at the very least, simply because they are dieing for healthy forwards. They need him out of necessity. Chances are, he will keep his nose clean during that time and whether Dallas keeps for the remainder of his contract or not, another team will be willing to take a risk on him. I still can't believe Hull signed him for that much money.

He sure is running out of rope though.

[OsGOD 3]

its not even like he called her the "c" word.... come on folks... toughen your weak ass senitivity buttons... welcome to the 2000's

I suppose he would have said "sluts" instead of "sloppy seconds" he would be surving a double indefinite suspension.

enjoy my sloppy seconds you sexay ******* i am sideshow Aves!

Edited December 4, 2008 by OsGOD