Kukla's Korner Hockey
The Two Sides Of Gary Bettman
by Paul on 12/15/12 at 09:40 PM ET
Comments (3)
from Helene Elliott of the LA Times,
"He's brilliant. He's mastered the breadth of the industry, and it's a broad industry, with lots of detail," said Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke, who was Bettman's top hockey deputy from 1993 to '98.
"He communicates wonderfully with the owners. That's a big part of his job. He's probably on the phone with 10 different owners every day. He was very fair when I worked for him. A born teacher."
But the knowledge and assurance that make Bettman an effective businessman make him an unsympathetic figure to players, fans and those who have emotional investments in the game.
Owners can be reclusive, but Bettman is out front and an easy target. A New Jersey resident who speaks with the accent of his native Queens, Bettman isn't warm and fuzzy. He's sharply intelligent and can come off as cold. Some Canadians resent that he didn't learn the game in Moose Jaw or Toronto and insist he can't have the good of their game at heart.
Bettman declined an interview with The Times, saying he didn't want his comments to affect the labor talks. Those who know him say he has a human side and has been wronged in the court of public opinion.
"I wish Gary was perceived more fairly than he is in Canada because he's a great guy, a brilliant guy, and he's really been good for our league," Burke said. "You have to look at the metrics of this league from when Gary took over to where we are now, and he's been a marvelous commissioner."
Filed in: NHL Talk, | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: gary+bettman
Comments
“He’s brilliant…,” said Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke…
“He communicates wonderfully with the owners…
...A born teacher.”
“He’s an A-hole…”
“He communicates like a blind mute with the players…”
...A born P.O.S.”
There. Fixed.
[At least from the average fan’s perspective.
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids, MI on 12/16/12 at 12:27 AM ET
Funny how we’ve evolved. Would anyone ever say the above to anyones face? This media is a breeding ground of angry feelingless people.
When you post try and be civil. Try and make an argument. This is more like assault than debate.
Posted by 13 user names on 12/16/12 at 08:02 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Video- Quite The Conversation Between Tortorella And A Linesman
Video- Rangers Win In OT To Force Game 5 In Boston
Video- Bad Goal Of The Night Candidate
Six Teams In Playoff Action Tonight
“Kane Comes To Play Every Night”
TiqIQ Ticket Preview: Senators vs. Penguins
Patrick Roy Returns To Denver As Head Coach
Diving Talk Heats Up In The LA/SJ Series
Video- Dalton Thrower Suspended For The Remaining Games Of The Memorial Cup
About Kukla's Korner Hockey
Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.
Email Paul anytime at pk@kuklaskorner.com
Brian Burke is a square shooter. He’ll never get any credit from some, and I used to dislike him myself, but his game is growing faster than the others.
Sure he’s stubborn, but so was Pete Rozelle. And the Great baseball commissioners.
Posted by 13 user names on 12/16/12 at 12:01 AM ET