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
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.
alone billion forgo maybe millions next prepared respect understand year
I respect our players. They're prepared to forgo $1 billion in salaries this year alone and maybe hundreds of millions -- if not a billion -- next year. You've got to respect that. I don't always understand it, but I respect it.
becomes decision extent injured people personal players year
Our players play all year for their NHL teams. We, as an accommodation to the Olympics, take a break. We're going to go, but to the extent players are injured it becomes a very personal decision as to what the right thing to do is. And I don't think people should second-guess them.
cable continued improvement judge year
If you want to judge this (TV deal) on one year experience, I don?t think you?re being fair. Over time, we think we are going to see continued improvement on the cable coverage.
cynics destroyed fans following nobody obviously predicting taking year
The cynics were predicting that by taking a year off, which obviously is something nobody wanted to do, we would have destroyed our following and our fans would never come back,
constant damage found last ourselves result situation suggestion tremendous year
In many quarters, there was a constant suggestion over the last year that the situation we found ourselves in would result in tremendous damage and that's not the case,
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,
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.
enables million needs players range returning spread team unlike view within
The view is any team within that range can be competitive, unlike the $20 million to $80 million spread we had before. It enables each team to have the flexibility it needs with young players and returning players.
feedback might pushing teams
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Teams might be pushing more because they don't want to go to a shootout.
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.
atlanta couple hard owe phoenix predict worked
We have a lineup because we owe Atlanta and Phoenix All-Star Games. We have a long to-do list. ... It's hard to predict because we owe two and have a couple in the hopper that were being worked on.
associated best continued earn fans game power promise return terrible time
We will return this game to our fans with a promise - we will do everything in our power to be the best we can be and to earn your continued devotion. This was a terrible time for everyone associated with the game. We will do everything we can to make it up to you.
believed
Who ever believed it could come back this strong? Actually we did.