NHLPA weighs in on Avery suspension

by James Mirtle on Dec 5, 2008 4:11 PM CST Comment 10 comments

NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly’s statement regarding the suspension of Sean Avery for six regular season games:

"While the NHLPA does not condone Sean’s comments, which were clearly inappropriate, the discipline imposed by the Commissioner is unprecedented both in its severity, as well as the process by which it was handed down. We have also seen signals from the Dallas Stars that Sean’s contractual rights might be challenged. We are monitoring the situation as it develops, and we will evaluate all legal options as the circumstances warrant. In the meantime, our first priority is supporting Sean’s efforts to learn from his mistake and move forward in a positive manner."

>> PA release

Pretty interesting stuff. Consider this a rejoinder to the suggestion Dallas would try to get out of Avery's contract somehow.

UPDATE TSN is reporting that the NHLPA will grieve the suspension.

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I have a feeling

this story just isn’t going to go away for a very long time…

by Karina on Dec 5, 2008 4:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

There is no way the PA lets the Stars get out of Avery’s contract. They are not going to let this become the NFL.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Dec 5, 2008 4:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

What a perfect response

… from the head of the PA. Not inflammatory, not over the top … just right on for his position and the PA’s interests. Your move, Stars.

Lighthouse Hockey: a New York Islanders blog with hip issues.

by Dominik on Dec 5, 2008 5:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The best part is Dallas doesn’t even have an AHL affiliate they can dump him off on. He might become the first NHL player to be Keyshawn’d.

by mepex on Dec 5, 2008 6:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Avery suspension is absurd. Gary Bettman has his priorities about as straight as a pregnant woman doing crystal meth. And screw Tom Hicks, too. An owner throwing his player under the bus. Sorry to break it to Tom but he didn’t buy the St. Thomas Church Choir, he bought a hockey team.

Also, just so happens that Avery dated one of my exes thereby being into MY sloppy seconds. Oh the irony. Regardless, I posted my thoughts on the Avery suspension and a quick follow-up. Take a look!

http://chaosoutoforder.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/hypocrites-on-ice/
http://chaosoutoforder.wordpress.com/2008/12/06/another-thought-on-avery/

by chaosoutoforder on Dec 6, 2008 5:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Buyer beware.

They should have known (at least apporximately) what they were getting in to, and if they had any serious concerns they shouldn’t have given him such a long-term contract.

(And this whole situation might have been averted if someone put a shock-collar and a muzzle on him years ago, as I advocated.) :)

"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 6, 2008 7:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs