04/16/24
May 20, 2011
Thrashers moving to Winnipeg: Done deal according to Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper.
Bettman: "I understand that there may be dissatisfaction there, but demonstrating your dissatisfaction by not going to games is an interesting strategy. It's your absolute right. But if it becomes a turnoff for anybody who might want to buy the franchise, the long-term consequences could be severe."
I love gun-to-your-head marketing by pro sports leagues. Bettman's being realistic, but something about him saying it makes me want to cross-check him.
posted by rcade at 08:22 AM on May 20, 2011
As a Minnesota sports fan I have always lived with the knowledge that my teams might move for a better deal, unless we blindly follow them, or give them oodles of tax breaks and/or stadiums.
Kind of feel like yesterday's Bizarro comic.
posted by dviking at 09:11 AM on May 20, 2011
something about him saying it makes me want to cross-check him
All of the other major professional sports ensure they select a leader who can serve as an ambassador, the NHL chose Bettman. Kicking sand at the fan base of one of his failed experiments is a revealing character trait.
Praying for the day the NHL hires someone with integrity who sees the game for more than just a quick buck - Steve Yzerman, Jacques Lemaire immediately come to mind.
posted by cixelsyd at 12:31 AM on May 24, 2011
The AJC says no deal yet.
But given the links between the Globe and Mail's ownership and the Winnipeg relocation attempts -- namely, David Thomson -- you have to wonder if they'd go to press either without a deal ready to be signed, or without a strong signal from the Winnipeg negotiators that they'd like people to think so.