richardn said:
It is clear now to me that Bettman never had any intentions of saving the season to begin with. I believe Bettman is trying to crush the union all together. I mean think about it.
I think that's rather silly. Why even make a final offer then? If he really had no intention, then he probably wouldn't have put down a proposal.
However... it wouldn't surprise me if there was something personal, and that Bettman does want to crush the union. However, I don't think Bettman's personal interests were above the owners he represents.
richardn said:
The players offer 24% rollback with luxury tax and what does Bettman do. Takes their offer and combines it with his triple cap , thats got to be the worst negotiateing tactic I have ever seen.
He wanted the cap in the first place.
richardn said:
He then waits till the last second to take linkage off the table.
It was a last ditch approach to rekindle the season, and not be the face of the first person to cancel a North American Pro league in history.
richardn said:
So what does the PA do? The PA says ok, lets make a deal and offers a cap only to be rejected with a final offer thats insulting to the players after every thing they have concieded.
Huh?
richardn said:
Bettman then waits to the press conmerence to say that he probably would have took 45 million cap, but yet he didn't offer it when the NHLPA made their counter of 49. I
All Bettman said is that it MIGHT have worked. There's other factors that would have had to come into play.
richardn said:
Bettman then waits to the press conmerence to say that he probably would have took 45 million cap, but yet he didn't offer it when the NHLPA made their counter of 49. I
Well considering tis almost March, you can't blame him for having a deadline.
richardn said:
The fact is 9 teams tops would be at the cap max.
In the 6 year CBA, you think 9 would be the tops for a 42.5 mill cap?
richardn said:
How many people think the teams with 20 something payrolls are going to all of a sudden say lets make our payroll 49 Million.
No, its 42.5 million. And yes, I think ~20 teams will gravitate to that mark.
richardn said:
He purposely went out of his way to piss off the players by slapping them in the face with his final offer, knowing full well the players would not accept his final offer.
Same could be said about the PA's rediculous offer. What didn't they understand about "final offer" and "not an invitation to open negotiations" ?
richardn said:
Bettman really wanted to cancel the season so he could use it for leverage.
No, if he were really that hell bent, he would have made the date sooner, like 1994 where it was Jan 16 instead of Feb 23.
richardn said:
If Gary had any intentions on saving the season he would have swallowed his pride and got on the phone and said Bob how about 45.
Just a guess, but I'll bet there could be 75% of the owners to veto that.