Lightning circus hits the big top
by James Mirtle on Dec 12, 2008 12:19 AM CST
8 comments
Sources tell TSN the Tampa Bay Lightning are investigating legal grounds for withholding the remainder of Barry Melrose's contract with the team.
Melrose's assessment of rookie forward Steven Stamkos is the basis for the investigation.
The recently fired Lightning head coach said, "Steven is not ready for the NHL," as part of an interview on a Toronto morning radio show.
I actually haven't posted on the Melrose-Lightning feud much at all, but that doesn't mean it's not interesting. It was all pretty predictable, but still interesting.
If you hire someone who's more media personality than hockey man, you have to expect some blowback when it all goes awry, and even though they won tonight, things in Tampa are pretty awry all right. Melrose knows full well he's not getting another job behind a bench, not in the NHL, AHL — anywhere, really — and now that he's back in a broadcaster's role, he's paid to speak his mind.
This "investigation" into legal grounds is more nonsense from the Lightning, who from the sounds of things have a lot more to worry about in terms of finances than what they owe their ex-coach.
You could line people up around the block who think Stamkos should be in junior and not the NHL this season. Sue 'em all Lenny.
0 recs |
8 comments
| Add comment
|
Email
Print
Comments
I actually thought it was kind of funny when they asked the TSN panel yesterday and all of them said that Stamkos was NHL-ready.
While there’s obviously a ton of sour grapes there, on the other side, Melrose is saying what lots of us are thinking…
by dare_ on Dec 12, 2008 1:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wha...?
How does this even begin to make sense? He’s not employed by them anymore, at their own behest, if he has mean things to say about them and their employees, isn’t that kind of their fault for hiring and firing him like lunatics, in the first place?
by Doogie2K on Dec 12, 2008 11:04 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
It depends on the terms of their contract, Doogie. It is that simple.
by Gerald on Dec 12, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Is there a standard coach’s contract, like the SPC? If Avery can’t be fired with cause for his comments, can Melrose be fired with cause for his?
by Doogie2K on Dec 12, 2008 9:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
From Dreger's article...
It sounds like the team is upset because they perceive that Melrose’s comments could reduce Stamkos’ value as a marketing tool.
“Don’t offer your opinion – you could limit our ability to make money off our rookie!”
"A vacuum is a hell of a lot better than some of the stuff that nature replaces it with." -- Tennessee Williams
by Baroque on Dec 13, 2008 12:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It would not be like a SPC, in that theSPC is mandated by the CBA, but I would imagine they use a standardized form (no sense in reinventing the wheel for each coach contract). Precedent documents are a lawyer’s best friend. :-)
by Gerald on Dec 15, 2008 10:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Formula
If Melrose’s TV salary > Melrose’s Lightning severance, I say: let ’er rip, Barry.
by Dr Van Nostrum on Dec 12, 2008 3:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Oh, there’s no way ESPN’s paying him that much.
But you do wonder what the value of a commentator who is muzzled would be. Melrose sort of has to be in a situation where he can be critical of all 30 teams, no?
by James Mirtle on Dec 12, 2008 4:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Join the community and dive in!
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanShots on From The Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
