Lindros walks the plank

by James Mirtle on Feb 4, 2009 11:27 AM CST Comment 16 comments

Lindros had become increasingly isolated within the union and won't be missed.

But while there is no whiff of impropriety whatsoever about Kelly in this or any other union matter, the optics are always poor for any organization when a person in the position of being a watchdog becomes an enemy of the boss, and then walks the plank.

These are, in case you hadn't noticed, uneasy times for the union.

— Damien Cox, Toronto Star

There has been nothing but good news out of the union since Paul Kelly took over, but Cox is right: This hints at something ugly behind the scenes.

Was Lindros's job not to voice concerns players had with regards to Kelly and others in the NHLPA? If so, is he getting gassed for simply filling that role? Did Kelly have too thin of a skin here?

There is dissension in the NHLPA ranks, and there always will be, and it's likely Lindros sought to voice some of that opposition. An ombudsman, by definition, is someone "who investigates and attempts to resolve complaints and problems" but what then if his organization tosses him overboard for bringing those issues up?

You wonder how the players who voiced complaints to Lindros feel now. And who's going to be willing to step into that role in the future?

UPDATE TSN's Darren Dreger has more of the pertinent details on what put Lindros on the outs.

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Comments

1) Always thought Lindros’ pick to head up that role in the NHLPA was a curious choice. Never saw him as being all that popular among players in the league, and he never struck one who was the schmoozing/political savvy type.
2) Hopefully the ouster has more to do with his not doing his job well, and less to do with behind the scenes rancor with Kelley.
3) What’s the over/under of when Carl Lindros will file suit on his behalf? ; )

by Fauxrumors on Feb 4, 2009 11:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Kelly said in an interview recently that he felt the role wasn’t a neccessary one given the current labour climate, and there were rumors that Lindros was actually looking to start dissent so that he had something to do. There are definite indications that there was some tension behind the scenes, but who knows where the blame lies for that.

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by saskhab on Feb 4, 2009 11:41 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

As the executive head of the NHLPA, Kelly is probably the worst person in the world to ask whether they need an ombudsman, especially given the history there. Whether or not Lindros was the right guy for the job, they do need someone in that role.

Too bad Chelios is still playing.

More fun than a stick to the face!

by Dirk Hoag on Feb 4, 2009 12:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It is hard to know. If Lindros wasn’t doing his job properly, the PA should say that rather than leave everyone in the dark. Firing an ombudsman’s tricky business.

by James Mirtle on Feb 4, 2009 12:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, the timing adds to the intrigue. If Lindros wanted to stir or express dissent, waiting to leave until right after they voted to stay with the current deal makes for a subtle sign of protest. Or if they wanted to run him out, doing so now says, “We won. We’re moving on. This is the direction.”

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by Dominik on Feb 4, 2009 12:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with the previous commenters that you don’t know whose fault this situation is. At this point and without much information, I’d be ready to give Kelly & Co. the benefit of the doubt, seeing how Lindros isn’t exactly known as the easiest person to deal with.

by Malurous on Feb 4, 2009 12:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

James, I would be interested in knowing why you feel that there will always be dissent within the NHLPA. Certainly that is not the case with MLBPA or the NBAPA, and in the NFLPA the only dissent is from the older long-retired players. All in all, sports unions have generally been pretty good at being unified in recent years, especially the MLBPA, which is legendary for their spirit of unity.

by Gerald on Feb 4, 2009 12:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Uh, because history dictates such concerns? You said it yourself, the player’s unions in other sports are notoriously cooperative for the most part (although I disagree with you on the NFL – recently it may be smooth sailing, but it certainly wasn’t the case in the 1980s), but the NHL has long seen the most discontent and lack of so-called “unity”. Anytime such an incident like an ombudsman being fired with little information accompanying it tends to elicit suspicion in a league rife with past player union problems.

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by bkblades on Feb 4, 2009 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cox is right

This just reeks of impropriety James. Can you name one other more disfunctional union anywhere throughout history? These guys continually forget that the union works for the players. A guys is vocal and he gets booted…what a farce. I bet Healy is thrilled

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by torontosportsmedia.com on Feb 4, 2009 12:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If Lindros is being forced out in a sea of impropriety, what is his motivation for keeping his mouth shut? Or are we waiting for/expecting the details of the real story to come out still?

by ConfidoBoyd on Feb 4, 2009 12:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs