Bill Daly
Bill Daly
William "Bill" L. Daly III is an attorney and the current Deputy Commissioner and chief legal officer of the National Hockey Leagueunder Commissioner Gary Bettman. He is also a Hockey Hall of Fame Board Member and former NHL Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. Before joining the NHL front office he worked for the New York law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP. He received his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and his law degree from New...
believe both clearly closer concerns craft frustrated meetings points portraying process satisfy sides suggesting trying understand work
I believe we're a lot closer to the same philosophies than they are portraying now. Were there points in those meetings when both sides were clearly frustrated and Trevor was clearly frustrated? Absolutely, and I understand that. I can only take that back and try to process that and try to find a way to satisfy the concerns he was raising. We're trying to craft something that will work for both sides. And I can tell you that I think we're a lot closer than they're suggesting we are.
agreement arms believe facing issues needs optimistic proper remain resolve respect side suggest types understanding work
I remain optimistic for two reasons. One is it's not as if we haven't done anything to date. We have done a lot of the work that needs to be done in these types of negotiations. I also believe there is an understanding on the other side with respect to the issues that are facing the game. The only thing we need to get our arms around and come to an agreement on, and I'm not going to suggest it's insignificant, is what's the proper way to resolve these issues.
clubs concern injuries issue
Injuries are also an issue and a concern of our clubs and our players.
difficult dispute labor litigation move page remaining sole time turn
In a lot of respects, the litigation was the sole remaining vestige of a year-long labor dispute that was difficult for us and for our fans. It was time to turn the page and move on.
effort legitimate looking luxury table tax union walk
Not that a luxury tax would work, but we're not going to walk away from the table just because there's one in the offer. What we're looking for is a legitimate effort by the union that we feel addresses our issues.
best break challenge determined imperfect late olympics particular process schedule
These Olympics were a particular challenge to us because we determined so late in the process (because of the lockout) that we were going to take a break in our schedule and come here. Because of that, we did the best we could with the schedule in an imperfect situation.
afraid attendance blame certainly gas helping prices
I'm afraid our gas prices aren't helping things. We certainly can't blame the weather. The attendance is a little light.
draw emphasize form gambling hockey illegal limiting player question rights talking
It's important that we distinguish between legalized gambling and illegal gambling. I want to emphasize that we don't condone any form of illegal gambling. But when it comes to legalized gambling, the question is where do you draw the line? You are talking about limiting the rights of a hockey player to participate in a legal activity.
benefit certainly decision game great meant players
It's certainly a decision that will benefit NHL players and participating officials. But most importantly, it's great for the game and for our fans. I think Rene realizes that what we're experiencing in the NHL right now is the game the way it was meant to be played. We're very pleased.
committed future health necessary objective viability
We are very committed to an objective, and we think that objective is necessary for the long-term future and viability and health of this sport.
responses virtually
The responses we are getting in-market have been very strong, virtually without exception.
agreed bargaining collective communication further future intention lines meetings relating season status
While there are no future meetings scheduled, we have agreed to keep the lines of communication open. We have no intention of making any further announcement relating to collective bargaining or the status of the season at this time.
approach couple current dollars economics financial immediate improve league levels losses matter offered overall percent player prevent proposal union virtually
While the immediate 'rollback' of 24 percent offered by the union would materially improve league economics for the 2004-05 season, there is virtually nothing in the union's proposal that would prevent the dollars 'saved' from being redirected right back into the player compensation system, such that the league's overall financial losses would approach current levels in only a matter of a couple of years.
concerns consider days discuss entering federation hopeful matter might next russian several sit whatever
We do not yet consider the matter closed. We are hopeful to be able to sit down with the Russian federation in the next several days to discuss whatever concerns they might have in entering into a new agreement.