It's almost refreshing seeing the sentiment here in this forum. When I read through the PHT all the people leaving comments there are all pro players and blaming Bettman for this recent breakdown. It just seems like they're so blinded by an irrational hatred for Bettman that they'll never side with him.
I think people just don't want to admit that their beloved idles are actually greedy morons.
The idea to put players and owners together in the same room was a refreshing idea. Commissioner Bettman should be thanked for proposing it and the Fehrs should be thanked for agreeing to it.
The players came with a strong desire to get back to playing hockey. They were professional and did a good job of expressing their concerns and listening to ours. We Wanted to move quickly and decisively. We have all spent too much time Without any real progress at the expense of our fans, our sponsors and the communities we serve. It was time to make bold moves and get a deal. Many people think We got over our skis and they are probably right, but We wanted to do everything we could to get back to hockey now. We didn't hold
We made substantial movement on our end quickly, but unfortunately that was not met with the same level of movement from the other side. The players asked us to be patient and keep working with them. |t's not what they do and they Wanted us to know they were committed.
We understood and appreciate their situation. We came back with an aggressive commitment to pensions which we felt was well received. We needed a response on key items that were important to us, but We were optimistic that we were down to very few issues. I believe a deal was within reach.
We were therefore surprised when the Fehrs made a unilateral and "non-negotiable" decision - which is their right, to end the player/owner process that has moved us farther in two days than we have moved at any time in the past months.
I want to thank the players involved for their hard Work as We tried to reach a deal.
I hope that going backwards does not prevent a deal.
Includes similar sentiments from Chipman (WPG), Vinik (TB) and Tanenbaum (TOR).
Sounds like Fehr didn't like the idea of the meetings making progress and potentially ruining his legacy of shutting down the various North American sports leagues.
I'm not going to be surprised if the NHL comes back in trimmed-back model with a couple of dead weights dropped. There's about 50-60 NHLPA jobs lost forever. Makes you wonder if the NHLPA even realizes that contraction is going to be a real serious consideration after the second lost season in less than 10 years? The poor markets aren't going to get better if you keep cancelling entire seasons every few years. I'd be surprised to see there still be 30 NHL teams 6-8 years from now.
The greed and self-importance on both sides is nothing short of sickening.
__________________
“The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile, but that it is indifferent. If we can come to terms with this indifference and accept the challenges of life within the boundaries of death, our existence as a species can have genuine meaning and fulfillment. However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light.” - Stanley Kubrick
....I was optimistic and conveyed my optimism to the Board of Governors at our Wednesday meeting. However, when we reconvened with the players on Wednesday afternoon, it was like someone had thrown a switch. The atmosphere had completely changed. Nevertheless, the owners tried to push forward and made a number of concessions and proposals, which were not well-received. I question whether the union is interested in making an agreement.
I am very disappointed and disillusioned. Had I not experienced this process myself, I might not have believed it. Like all hockey fans, I am hopeful this situation can be resolved as soon as possible. I miss our game."
Michael Russo @Russostrib
This league is being destroyed. Employees will face layoffs soon. This is not a game. Hope players realize whom they're listening to now
Michael Russo @Russostrib
Players hire Fehr to potentially lose 100% of their salaries, precious time in a short career and decertify their union? #goodhire
Michael Russo @Russostrib
I don't like how Don Fehr strutted in front of the cameras with a BS "it's over" msg tonight. Played with fans heartstrings. It's shameful.
This whole ordeal is sickening. Russo is right when he says the league is being destroyed. Those revenues they talk about sharing? There won't be much revenue to share if they keep this garbage up. I'm the most angry at Fehr, words can't describe the type of negotiator he seems to be.
Damn those are some heated word from Russo. I give him credit for putting his name to it since his daily job involves dealing directly with the players. Everybody laying it on the line tonight.
Some big-time tweets from a very respected writer.
Damn those are some heated word from Russo. I give him credit for putting his name to it since his daily job involves dealing directly with the players. Everybody laying it on the line tonight.
Some big-time tweets from a very respected writer.
I'm glad that the writers are injecting their feelings into it. The players have been brainwashed (I suggest reading Scottie Upshall's twitter page if you feel like bashing your head against a wall tonight) and the owners are back to being under a gag order outside of that milquetoast statement...these beat writers are the only ones that have been there and are witnessing it first hand.
It's just sad that things are really this close...and the gap can't be bridged. They're arguing over money that simply isn't going to be there anymore, and they're doing so at the cost of a full season's salary at the very least. It's pathetic, it's maddening, and it's going to make it awfully hard for me to cheer for a lot of these guys again. They're killing my lifelong passion for hockey.
It's just sad that things are really this close...and the gap can't be bridged. They're arguing over money that simply isn't going to be there anymore, and they're doing so at the cost of a full season's salary at the very least. It's pathetic, it's maddening, and it's going to make it awfully hard for me to cheer for a lot of these guys again. They're killing my lifelong passion for hockey.
Bang on. This is what I have been trying to express.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tafkak
WOW...
@adater From deep inside players side: "We were ready to play again. But Don came in (Wed.) and told us we could get more and to hold out"
Also, if Fehr is being such a dick, why are the players still with him? Sure some guys like Upshall are with him, but from that tweet it seemed like a lot of guys were ready to go. There's how many players and only one of him, at some point the players need to say "alright Don, you did your part, we feel comfortable with this deal so now you can gtfo".
From the reactions that I continue to see on Twitter tonight, I think things are quickly coming to a head. The NHLPA could, hopefully, blow up very soon.
God forbid someone say something rational against Walsh's hero (Fehr). Dreger owned Walsh and someone as smart as Russo will quickly turn Walsh into a crying sack of shame.
