Gary Bettman
Gary Bettman
Gary Bruce Bettmanis the commissioner of the National Hockey League, a post he has held since February 1, 1993. Previously, Bettman was a senior vice-president and general counsel to the National Basketball Association. Bettman is a graduate of Cornell University and New York University School of Law...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionSports Executive
Date of Birth2 June 1952
CityQueens, NY
CountryUnited States of America
dealing issue
This really isn't an issue for us. We're dealing with adults.
fight issue pick union
to pick a fight with the union on this issue at this point.
address agreement bargaining begin collective current economic formal hockey idle issues league looking national negotiate prefer prepared remaining remains solution stay threats time year
For me, I prefer to stay in the moment. I'm not looking for a fight. I'm looking for a solution to the economic issues confronting our game. Idle threats will not address these issues. We have a year remaining on the current collective bargaining agreement and, used properly, that is more than ample time in which to negotiate a new agreement. The National Hockey League has been prepared and remains prepared to begin formal collective bargaining negotiations on a moment's notice.
ahead attention behind competition ice occur positive prefer step steps together
While it was a positive and constructive step to get together more formally than we have in the past, there are many more such steps ahead of us. And I prefer they occur behind the scenes, where they belong, so the competition on the ice can get the attention it deserves.
concerned legitimate olympics owners players playing season standpoint
When owners are concerned about players playing in the Olympics when they're injured, that's a legitimate concern. From our standpoint and from our players' standpoint, our season is the most important (thing).
candid thinks work
We had a candid dialogue, ... If Congress, because of what's going on in some other sports, thinks we need to do more, then we'll work with Congress.
area clearly difference helping injury net protecting understand
We understand very clearly the difference between protecting a goaltender from injury and helping the goaltender protect the area of the net from a goal,
balance enhance good hockey olympics
We go to the Olympics because it's part of our partnership with the players. This was very important to the players. It's not without its issues, but on balance I think it's a good thing to do. It will enhance the hockey tournament.
alleged avoid cases clear failure personnel possible
Even in those cases when there were instances of alleged provocation, we have made it clear that NHL personnel need to do everything possible to avoid a confrontation of fans, and the failure to do so is not acceptable.
record saying
We've been on record as saying we feel visors should be worn.
happy middle olympics players stanley
Yes, the Olympics are important. But players are in the middle of important careers. This is where they make their livelihood, and as much as we're happy to go to the Olympics, for us, the Stanley Cup's the most important thing.
await continue guidance involved jersey law personnel regard
While there is speculation as to which other NHL personnel may have been involved in this matter, we continue to await guidance in that regard from the New Jersey law enforcement authorities.
miss passionate player scoring speak splendid touch
(We) will miss Brett's skill, his scoring touch and his fun-loving attitude, ... He was a splendid athlete, a passionate player and someone who never hesitated to speak his mind.
again economic problems stood teams until
When I stood before you in September, I said NHL teams would not play again until our economic problems had been solved,