from John Shannon of Sportsnet,

It was the spring of 1986 and I was part of a group covering the annual Battle of Alberta. One night, out for dinner in Edmonton, we had a group of Oiler fans walk up to our table and castigate us for being pro-Flames.

Two days later, walking down 4th Avenue in Calgary, a car of Flames' fans yelled at us for being Oiler-centric. It was as that point the great Don Wittman turned to me and said, "Well, I guess we're being fair. Everyone hates us."

I tell that story to reflect on the reaction received in covering this NHL lockout and to explain that the best possible CBA should be fair to both sides.

For example, 50 per cent of hockey related revenue (HRR) to the players and 50 per cent to the owners is fair. I have been told that the issues related to HRR are no longer a factor and both sides are speaking the same language.

As well, the 60 per cent of players who are still under contract and the additional portion of that were part of the summer-signing frenzy should receive all of their money. Yes, they should be made "whole" before the new CBA expires. Owners that abused Gary Bettman's advice of 'business as usual' should not be able to hide behind any rollback. And if, in fact, any owners who signed those contracts assuming there would be a rollback should be ashamed for a premeditated act of deception. The players getting the money owed to them is surely fair. I don't care how owners get the money, but it should not come out of the players' share. Not fair.

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