NHL Threatens to Suspend Absent All-Stars

WTF?!

about 1 year ago Winkle 19 comments 0 recs |

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The NHL says it will enforce an understanding that all players who decline to show after being named to the All-Star teams must miss at least one game before or one game after the All-Star weekend.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jan 23, 2009 1:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Wow, that’ll improve the quality of the game at the ASG for sure!

by LeafFanInVan on Jan 23, 2009 1:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yea

Fucking Bettman, the man has to go. This is the final straw for me.

Having an inconsistent discipline system was bad enough, but this is out-right abuse.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jan 23, 2009 1:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Fucking Bettman

cunty little munchkin. I want to cut his stupid face off.
/irrational mini-rant

by tugboats and arson on Jan 23, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually...

This game is ostensibly for the fans so players that want to skip it should have a better excuse than I don’t feel like it.

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

by PPP on Jan 23, 2009 2:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I still don’t agree with that mentality, they have no legal or contractual obligation to attend or partake in the All Star Game or festivities… now they SHOULD go out of good will but I disagree with forcing them to go.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jan 23, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah I was thinking what if the player has an injury and doesn’t go? exploding bones are no fun

Making stuff up since real Leafs news is far too depressing

by loser domi on Jan 23, 2009 2:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't

think they have to play but they have to go for the festivities like autograph signings, interview etc.

I don’t agree with it on the principal that you’re basically forcing someone to do something against their will, especially if they have a legit reason.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jan 23, 2009 2:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If they are ok to play in the game before the break and the game after then they can take part in a glorified shinny match.

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

by PPP on Jan 23, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s not the issue.

Should they take part? Yes, of their own will.

Should they be forced to take part? No, unless the league starts putting in a clause that makes attendance mandatory.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jan 23, 2009 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The players want their share of revenues. Part of increasing revenues is selling the game. It might not be a contract clause but it should be. If the league thinks that skipping an event that raises $10 Million in sponsorship is a bad enough thing to be suspendable then good for them. It’s the same clause that let them suspend Sean Avery.

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

by PPP on Jan 23, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It might not be a contract clause but it should be.

Then they need to make it a contract clause because I will always be opposed to forced ASG-attendance, especially if they’re injured. If they don’t go, don’t give them their share of revenue, more ammo for the next time the league is negotiating with the PA.

I don’t like the players skipping out on the ASG, but at the same time it doesn’t justify this flagrant abuse of power. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

"God's in His heaven. All's right with the world." - Robert Browning (1812-1889)

by Winkle on Jan 23, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not so sure it isn’t in their contracts about appearing in the All Star Games though. Maybe it’s not explicit as to say, “Players must attend ASG”, but I would think it’s along the lines of all players have to make it to all NHL and team public functions unless dire or emergency situations dictate otherwise.

Public relations is just too significant of an issue to be left out of the NHL CBA agreement, in my mind at least.

by bkblades on Jan 23, 2009 3:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs