I know that Gary Bettman has done a lot for the National Hockey League. But I feel that the labor unrest that has taken place under his watch has damaged his accomplishments.
This is the third lockout to happen on Bettman's watch. The first lockout happened back in the 1994-1995 season.
That season was shortened from 84 to 48 games because the NHLPA and the owners couldn't agree on creating a luxury tax, among other issues.
10 seasons later, another lockout came about. This one would cancel the entire 2004-2005 season. That lockout was based around the owners wanting a salary cap.
They claimed that player salaries had far exceeded league revenue, although that statement has been widely disputed.
The '04-05 lockout was notorious for both sides making threats, bashing each other in the media, and Gary Bettman's brash attitude.
In both lockouts, Bettman sided with the owners. And when he combined forces with the league's team owners, they showed their constant unwillingness for fair negotiations.
By this point the players had threatened to abandon the NHL altogether. Most players had signed with other l ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Gabe Salgado
Why Gary Bettman Should Be Dismissed as the NHL Commissioner
December 25th, 2012 by Gabe Salgado Leave a reply »
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