Ansar Khan of Mlive answers questions from readers...

Q. From all that I have read and heard, the players and fans have one common enemy, Gary Bettman. The level of hate regarding this man is epic. The players could win over the fan base by saying to the owners, “We will take less if you would remove Mr. Bettman as commissioner.'' Have you heard anything along these lines? --David.

A. No. If the players made that kind of proposal, my guess is the owners' response would be, “We'll keep Bettman, and you will take less money anyway and like it.''

Q. Do you think it's time for Gary Bettman to be forced into retirement?–Rich.

A. From the fans' and players' standpoint, yes, because his tenure has been marked with labor strife. But he only needs to please his bosses, at least a segment of them. I said this during the last lockout and I'll say it again: If the owners get what they want in this new CBA, they're not going to fire Bettman, they would be more inclined to give him a raise and build a statue in his honor.

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