Published by jb 2 months, 3 weeks ago
in Bettman, Blog Entries and TV.
Saturday night’s CBC pre-game show featured Ron MacLean interviewing our favorite hockey snake, Bettman. Ron touched on several hot NHL topics and a few of dim-wit’s nerves. MacLean asked a question about Boots Del Biaggio’s troubles with a federal fraud investigation. Ron asked what the NHL position was given ol’ Boots’ recent part ownership of the struggling Nashville Predators. Shyster boy immediately went on the defensive and stated that he believes that Boots has not been charged, but only under investigation. Quickly distancing himself with “I don’t know anything more than was in the papers”. Ron then asked about the decision to push out Balsillie over the Boots Group. With more than a little more squirming the miniature shark said he was not involved in that process and then, without need, said the Canadian Competition Committee had conducted a year long investigation and concluded that no rules were broken. (Funny, why did he have to offer that last part without being asked?) Hiding something Gary? Here is the video:
Ron also brought up the fact that Canadian teams are providing the bulk of the revenue and asked Gary if he had seen the Toronto Star article which reported the disparities in revenue. “I haven’t read that article” was Ding-dong’s response. (Of course, why would the commish read anything from the top revenue team’s home town newspaper? gimme a break!) Our little Napoleon then got testy and cut-off Ron when asked about American teams in (financial) trouble. “Whoa, whoa; trouble’s a funny thing” spewed out of the hole in his face. Funny when you’re a Coyotes owner losing $30 million? Funny when the two bottom-earning Canadian teams are producing more revenue than eight, yes, eight, American teams? Yes, our ignorant commish has a great sense of humor. Too bad he doesn’t have any honor (and resign).
There is more to the interview including Numb-nut’s cheap patronizing of Ron and Don, Wipe-oid’s ever-prescient employment interview of Colin Campbell, and more commish double talk.
Coaches Corner star Don Cherry noted that Ron did a fine interview and followed his advice by “takin’ it easy on him”. With all the squirming and double talk witnessed in the interview, one gets the feeling that Bettman wouldn’t agree with Don.
Tags: boots del biaggio, CBC, don cherry, gary bettman, interview, nhl, predators, revenue, ron maclean.
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Published by jb 3 months, 1 week ago
in Blog Entries and TV.
With the announcement of the Stanley Cup Finals schedule, Detroit sports fans are wondering why Bettman has it in for “the most passionate fans”. Seems as though shrimp and his mental midgets have scheduled the first three games of THE Finals to start at the same time as the NBA conference finals. Now what water head would do such a thing to a sport that is screaming for help to increase its fan base? Of course, you guessed it - our own not-so-bright commish.
Now ‘ol douche bag hasn’t dissed Detroit for just the first time this playoff season. No sir! Just a short while ago he took away a real crowd pleaser by notifying the Detroit club that if their Zamboni/ice wizard were to swing one more octopus over his head on the ice as he has been doing for years, the league would fine them 10 large. (Careful Mo’ Cheese, you might be next.) Now comes the ultimate insult to sports fans in Detroit. Choose between the Pistons or Wings. (There’s no choice for this author; Sid vs. Hank? - Awesome!) Nevertheless, when you have a sport that your own commissioner says is inferior in popularity to another, WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU SCHEDULE YOUR GAMES TO CONFLICT WITH THE OTHER ALREADY POSTED SCHEDULE????????? What a dumb ass!!!
The NHL excuse-of-the-day is that Hockey Night in Canada has rights to Saturday night scheduling. (I think we posted previously about the screwing of HNIC and last year’s schedule.) HNIC would of course televise a game at any time knowing the devout following of Canadian fans. And what about the scheduling for the other two games this weekend that could be aired at a different time? What say you ‘ol brain dead commish?
Seriously, I’m almost convinced that someone has tasked this former Stern lackey with the destruction of the NHL.
I’m tiring of the owners’ apathy, but here goes again -
Please fire this idiot (or be ready to turn the lights out yourselves).
Tags: bad timing, basketball, bettman, CBC, detroit, dumb move, finals, idiot, nba, pistons, Red Wings, Stanley Cup Finals, TV.
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Published by jb 3 months, 3 weeks ago
in Blog Entries.
Fortune Magazine did an interview with Ding-dong last month and began the reporting with Bettman tripe about how he has quadrupled revenues, set records in attendance…you know, the same old bull from his lackies. Part of our problem with The Dufus may stem from the fact that he is still learning how to use all his electronic gadgetry. “I track scores all the time” was one quote attributed to the former NBA stooge. Well, isn’t that just peachy. Tracking scores. Next thing you know he’ll be looking at the standings! He also said he carries a rulebook with him at all times. Isn’t that reassuring! Further along in the interview little man was asked what his favorite trip would be and he responded “Australia”. Now I like Aussie land and have nothing against anyone from that great continent, but do you think we could convince them to ask Sir Screwsupalot to start a hockey league down there? They have desert and fans that don’t know a hockey stick from a burro. He’d be great (again, in his own mind). I’m afraid if he sticks around the states much longer there’s going to be “shrimp on the barbie”.
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Published by jb 4 months, 1 week ago
in Blog Entries.
The NHL Commissioner’s Office notified the Detroit Red Wings team that their Zamboni driver’s antics would cause the team to be fined $10,000. The specific antic that has Gary concerned is the revered tradition of Al Sabotka collecting octopi from the ice and then twirling one overhead as he leaves the ice. Bettman’s reasoning is “Because matter flies off the octopus and gets on the ice when he does it.” Bullshit! This Zamboni driver is also responsible for ice conditions and has meticulously maintained temperature and surface conditions for years resulting in Joe Louis Arena ice known as the best in the league. So please don’t tell me that “matter flies off” causing untold problems. The reason for the rule change has been attributed to Brian Burke and his goon squad from LA-LA land. (I’m sure Anaheim ice must be perfect..after you get through the first two inches of slush.) Apparently Burke has complained to da commish (AKA: ding-dong) about the celebratory twirling which causes Detroit fans to cheer when his team visits. Seems to this writer that this reasoning implies Burke would only be pleased if no cheering were allowed for the opposing home team. That said, Burke is well respected around the league and may just be the scapegoat for another inane rule initiated by none other than…Dumbo the Commish. While players are looking for no-touch icing to be implemented to prevent career-ending concussions, our Mr. All-Time Worst Commissioner of Any Sport dwells on Al Sabotka’s pregame ritual. Perhaps that matter should be collected and placed between Butthead’s ears. At least there would be SOMETHING in there.
The Detroit Red Wings organization needs to spend ten grand this Sunday!
Tags: Al Sabotka, Anaheim Ducks, Brian Burke, Detroit Red Wings, gary bettman, nhl, octopi, octopus, Zamboni.
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Published by jb 7 months ago
in Bettman, Blog Entries, Videos and TV.
Update (01/27/08): If you missed last night’s “Ask Gary” segment on Hockey Night in Canada — where Gary Bettman took questions from hockey fans in Canada, live with Ron MacClean — you can watch it here. Nothing too new or exciting… but “Blue Skies” Bettman does strongly deny having any kind of role in keeping the Nashville Predators out of Hamilton, ON … even though there is strong evidence that suggests otherwise, including Craig Leipold taking $40 million less for the team than he could have gotten, which still has not been explained.
Bettman also states that the NHL is not considering any expansion… within Canada or the U.S. in the near future. One fan’s email in the segment asks about why the Red Wings are in the West… and Gary’s response is that if the Wings moved to the East, a team would have to move to the West, which no team is willing to do. But what if an expansion team were to be put in Las Vegas or Kansas City? We aren’t huge fans of the idea, but just want to point out that it is definitely a possibility… even though Gary Bettman always seems to avoid bringing up the possibility when questioned about expansion.
The NHL has announced it will open next season with two games in Europe. Oh boy; Jagr and Lecavalier to Prague and Sid and Alfredsson to Stockholm. Yeah, it’s not the teams that are important; Gary’s just pushin’ a few stars to get more exposure. “We’re all pretty excited about that” were uttered from the hole in his face. Typical Bettman; all cliche and no brain. (His “all” must have been in reference to lackies Bill or Colin.) Wonder how many Europeans get VS.? Yo Bettman, wake up! Starting the season in Winnipeg, Quebec City, Portland (OR), or even (heaven forbid) Hamilton would give you the greater exposure you are seeking in the market you are sadly neglecting; North America! (Don’t forget the “North” part, ay?) Paying –that’s right– paying ESPN to televise a game a week would also aid in this effort. You just have to start focusing on the game… not the “stars” who few people see. Sid ain’t the equivalent to the NBA’s Michael. Remember the NBA was accessible on television when Jordan played. I don’t believe Stern sent you to Europe, but many wish he would have sent you to the moon. Certainly, the sure fire way to create more fan excitement and to actually “grow” the game of hockey would be for you to submit your resignation. Do it dude!!!
Tags: all star game, all stars, controversy, gary bettman, hamilton, hockey night in canada, nashville, nhl, predators.
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Published by jb 7 months ago
in Bettman, Versus, Blog Entries and TV.
Talk about crying in your beer! Sid and Hank are hurt, Roberto’s wife needs him more, and the Lake Webegone Channel is the flagship of the NHL. Gary still hasn’t a clue about what’s wrong with his marketing plan. This writer is wagering that this year’s game of stars will draw fewer viewers than last year’s abysmal showing. After all, Gary’s been betting the house on Sid da Kid and the channel without vowels that appears in every 500th household. Yes sir, Gary’s marketing is a real trend setter; all downward! And those attendance figures… The only great thing about attending an NHL game now is the fact that the lines to the bathroom are shorter. Thank you Gary! We love you for screwing up our favorite sport! Hope you and Craig L. enjoyed your little back-room tryst. ($40 mil loss for what favors?) Hey owners; how about installing a commissioner with a little integrity and intelligence? FIRE the PYGMY BRAIN!!!
Tags: allstar game, allstars, gary bettman, marketing, nhl, predators, VS..
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Published by jb 9 months, 3 weeks ago
in Blog Entries.
Mark Messier is slated to be inducted into the NHL’s Hall of Fame. The same night as the ceremonies, the Phoenix Coyotes, coached by Wayne, “The Great One”, Gretzky, are scheduled to play. Now it doesn’t take a hockey genius to realize that when a dynamic duo (Messier and Gretsky) played together and achieved so much that one would attend the other’s celebration. But we know Bettman is no hockey genius. In fact, dolt would be a better adjective since his “hockey staff” scheduled the induction ceremonies to coincide with the Phoenix game. Uh, Gary?…Earth to Gary, come in Gary? Next thing you know the notso great one will schedule his IQ exam on the same day he’s scheduled for a lobotomy. (He’s performing as if the latter has already occurred.)
Tags: Mark Messier, NHLs Hall of Fame, Phoenix Coyotes, Stupid, Wayne Gretzky.
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Published by jb 1 year ago
in Nashville Predators and Blog Entries.
After chasing away a Canadian buyer, our Napoleonic Commish courted a local group of “investors” to purchase the Preds. Well, now it seems as though this group of local-yokels is not as well-heeled as first thought. Quotes from the group, and I’m paraphrasing here, include “we’ve made our fortunes and don’t seek to profit from this team.” The Tennessean is reporting that the group is asking the city to fork over $3 mil for past losses and to guarantee that 14,000 seats will have butts in them every season to keep the team in Nashville. (Balsillie must have been asking for mo’ money and a 14,005 seat guarantee; yeah, right.) The city didn’t seem to be willing to make up the seat deficit for the previous owner when it was 14,000 and Leipold didn’t ask for mo’ money to cover any of the $70 mil he lost on the team, so what up here? My issue: If you got so much dang dough that you don’t want to profit on a gazillion dollar investment, then why the hell are you asking for back pay from the taxpayer? Not just back pay but also a guarantee of future pay! Uh, let’s do the differential calculus here. Past owner: lost $70 mil and couldn’t attain avg. 14,000 attendance. New owners: get $50 mil discount on sales price from Commish Butthead, get $3 mil advance from City, get guarantee of 14,000 filled seats. Yep, Gary just done did Nashville.
Tags: bad investment, gary bettman, hockey, leipold, nashville, nhl, predators.
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Published by jb 1 year, 1 month ago
in Blog Entries.
The Bettmobile is stuck in Nashville and Robbin’ Canada is all that’s been accomplished by our wholly inept commissioner. “Cost certainty”. How many times did we hear that come from the hole in Bettman’s face? Now it’s more like “cost un-certainty” with the salaries being offered. The Duck’s Dustin Penner, who was making league minimum last season, was just offered $4.5 mil a year to jump ship and play for the Oilers. Others have also eclipsed the pre-lockout salaries. Sen’s Emery took a leap to $9.5 mil a year; Sabre’s Roy goes from $675K to $4 mil, etc,…
Point being, even cost certainty, which was supposedly the greatest coup Garrulous Gary accomplished in the lockout, is scarce. With TV revenues in the toilet and Duh Commish forcing owners to take $50 mil less to sell their team guess who’s going to have to come up with more bucks to see a game. But wait. Why are all these salaries going through the roof when revenues are declining? Oh Canada! Providing a whopping 30% of all NHL revenue but getting the royal shaft from Gary, our northern friends are quite the example of dedicated hockey fans. The Canadian dollar has gained strength and Canadian hockey fans gotta have their hockey fix. But Bettman says “Screw you CBC” after getting $600 mil from them. Bettman says “Screw you Hamilton” after quashing their hopes. Bettman says “Screw you and your Hockey Day in Canada”. Yes, the quintessential Ugly American lives! And he’s our NHL commissioner.
Tags: bettman, CBC, Emery, hamilton, HNIC, Hockey Day in Canada, nhl, Penner, Roy, VS..
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Published by jb 1 year, 2 months ago
in Blog Entries.
Cro-magnon Gary speaks! Bettman reacted rather angrily to questions about the pending move of the Predators from Nashville to Hamilton on Wednesday. Bettman offered this retort when queried about his statement that the Canadian billionaire reportedly said he intended to keep the Preds in the Music City: “When I made that statement, that’s what he had told me.” I’m guessing the VS. Network told him that the Stanley Cup Finals would break all kinds of ratings records too. The usually calm former NBA assistant may have had his feet held to the fire at the board of governors’ meeting held to discuss (ugh!) more rule changes. Could this be Bettman’s last blow, er…, bow? With a new chair at the helm and the league sinking fast, me thinks that change is in the air.
Tags: bettman, hamilton, hockey, nhl, predators.
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