TiesRLikeWins4Us said:
Ok.. I'm too young to give my analysis on Mr. Bettman. I don't know what he has done wrong, or what he has done to benefit the game. But from the time that I have been paying close attention to the Business of the game (which has been really the last two years) it seems to me that he's trying hard to get in the good graces of the fans, and trying hard to do whats best for the league (even though he isnt a hockey guy.)
My question to everybody is:
1) What has Bettman done wrong/done right for the game? (If theres to long of a list to what hes done wrong *i know that is coming from the pro-PA guys* just post the main points)
2) Is Gary worthy of being comissioner after the lockout?
He's just acting on order from the owners, so this isn't all his fault.
When he was originall hired, his two big goals were:
#1. Salary Cap - like the one he helped create in the NBA.
#2. Big National TV deal. His plan was to expansion into the US, which would create additional TV markets, which would entice the netowrks into giving the NHL a significant TV contract.
What has happened: With the NHL popularity at it's zenith and the NBA on its way down without Michael Jordan, the NHL shut down for half a season. This took away any momentum the NHL had. Even while sitting out half a season the league, which seemingly won the CBA, could not control itself, and spending went through the roof.
Expansion and relocation:
Hartford --> Carolina .. didn't have an arena ready, played 90 minutes away for 2 years (not positive on number of years)
Winnipeg --> Phoenix ... didn't have an NHL suitable arena for the first 8 years in Phoenix
Quebec --> Colorado ... big success, team was already great when moved in, big time owner
Ottawa
Tampa
Florida
San Jose
Anaheim
Nashville
Atlanta
Minnesota
Columbus
The NHL now has no real TV contract in the US. ESPN only will show games on ESPN2, and the NBC deal is for no guaranteed money.
Entire 2004-05 season cancelled, first in North American pro-sports history.
His positives: Greatly increased national sponsorships. Getting NHL players to participate in the Olympics.
IMO he is not the person to lead the NHL after the lockout ends. If he gets the owners a sweetheart deal, they should give him a great golden parachute, and escort him out the door.
The comissioneer needs to be someone the players respect, first and foremost. Someone that knows and understands the players and the game. The best name I've heard mentioned by far would be Lou Lamarillo.