from John Brennan of NorthJersey.com,
Wrapping up our five-part series on the depositions of the czars whose sports leagues are suing New Jersey to try to prevent sports betting at the state’s casinos and racetracks, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman had his turn on Nov. 19.
During a couple of hours of testimony, Bettman echoed similar themes to his colleagues’ depositions – gambling is the most pernicious scourge out there because it can create a perception of “fixed” games; no specific studies have been done on this because it is self-evident; the leagues would prefer that Nevada didn’t have sports betting, either, but they’ve come to terms with that.
Bettman, whose deposition was released Friday like the others, said the league generally is “connecting” effectively with its fans. Of course, due to the current lockout, “they might be a little cranky, and understandably so”:
Los Angeles-based attorney William Wegner, who questioned Bettman on behalf of the state, then interjected, “Especially in LA, because we finally won the [Stanley] Cup.”
“I’m sorry we haven’t been able to hoist the banner,” Bettman said, adding that he was there and “I didn’t get booed presenting the Stanley Cup.”
added 2:39pm, Watch Bettman present the Cup to Dustin Brown below...
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