Bettman spews venom at the NHLPA; Owners issue statements

To recap: Donald Fehr decides to strut in front of the cameras and essentially announce to the hockey world that the NHL lockout was all but over. This, mysteriously after the NHLPA requested mediation two hours earlier.

As Fehr's announcing the union's belief that they have completely agreed on dollars with the league, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly leaves a voicemail for Fehr's brother, Steve, telling him the latest NHLPA proposal is rejected and talks are off.

Ten minutes after Donald Fehr told the hockey world the lockout was almost over, Fehr returns to deliver the news as players were about to talk to the press.

In New York tonight, Commissioner Gary Bettman angrily marched into the Westin and lambasted the union in a 34-minute news conference. At the end, reportedly, some players and Steve Fehr were even in the room listening to Bettman intently.

As I mentioned last night, the two sides were at a delicate juncture. It is now completely off the rails.

Bettman said the NHL's "Make Whole" concept, so critical to this process, is off the table, as is anything the NHL proposed this week.

This got beyond ugly tonight.

Bettman called this process, an emotional rollercoaster, and made clear that yesterday's final NHL proposal to the NHLPA was essentially take it or leave it.

"We were waiting today for a yes or a no. Not for a negotiation session," Bettman said.

"The key for all of us, particularly the owners, was to have a long-term deal. That's what fans, game, players, partners deserve."

He said the four new owners of the group, who as I mentioned nearly stormed out yesterday, "wanted to push ahead and do something bold." That started with adding $100 million to the Make Whole offer.

When they did that, the league said pensions were a critical issue. Owners were furious feeling the players moved the goal posts.

"The characterization that we were close, that reminds me of the last time the union said we were close and we were $1 billion apart," he said.

"I'm not sure spinning us into an emotional frenzy is terribly helpful," he added.

"They knew there was a major gulf between us and yet they came down here and told you we were close."

And, as I said on the previous blogs, "if we were so close why did we need mediation?"

Bettman said the league will take a deep breath and regroup, that "I am disappointed beyond belief we are where we are."

Bettman said there is no drop dead date, but indicated there had to be at least a 48-game season.

He says he's tormented by three lockouts under his watch and maybe having to cancel his second season, but he took a crack at the union, saying it's not easy to bargain when you have four executive directors in eight years.

He says the league is not worried about the union's threat to decertify.

"We are where we are as horrible as it is," Bettman said.

Back to me talking: I fear for the league now. Fans are disgusted, and tonight's news is frankly nauseating.

NEW YORK (December 6, 2012) -- Statements relative to their
participation in the collective bargaining agreement negotiations this week
were released tonight by Ron Burkle of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mark
Chipman of the Winnipeg Jets, Larry Tanenbaum of the Toronto Maple Leafs
and Jeff Vinik of the Tampa Bay Lightning, governors of their respective
teams:

Statement from Ron Burkle

The idea to put players and owners together in the same room was a
refreshing idea. Commissioner Bettman should be thanked for proposing it
and the Fehrs should be thanked for agreeing to it.

The players came with a strong desire to get back to playing hockey.
They were professional and did a good job of expressing their concerns and
listening to ours.

We wanted to move quickly and decisively. We have all spent too much
time without any real progress at the expense of our fans, our sponsor and
the communities we serve. It was time to make bold moves and get a deal.
Many people think we got over our skis and they are probably right, but we
wanted to do everything we could to get back to hockey now. We didn't hold
back.

We were therefore surprised when the Fehrs made a unilateral and
"non-negotiable" decision – which is their right, to end the player/owner
process that has moved us farther in two days than we moved at any time in
the past months.

I want to thank the players involved for their hard work as we tried
to reach a deal.

I hope that going backwards does not prevent a deal.

Statement from Mark Chipman

Mark Chipman, Chairman and Governor of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, today
issued the following statement:

I came here optimistic that we could find a solution. That sense
of optimism grew after our first few sessions, including the small group
discussions late last night.

Regrettably, we have been unable to close the divide on some
critical issues that we feel are essential to the immediate and long-term
health of our game.

While I sense there are some members of the players association
that understand our perspective on these issues, clearly there are many
that don't.

I am deeply disappointed that we were unable to bring this
extremely unfortunate situation to a successful conclusion and I wish to
apologize to our fans and sponsors for letting them down."

Statement from Larry Tanenbaum

I understand how important it is to have a strong league and 30
healthy teams. I must admit that I was shocked at how things have played
out over the last 48 hours. The sessions on Tuesday felt cooperative with
an air of goodwill. I was optimistic and conveyed my optimism to the Board
of Governors at our Wednesday meeting. However, when we reconvened with the
players on Wednesday afternoon, it was like someone had thrown a switch.
The atmosphere had completely changed. Nevertheless, the owners tried to
push forward and made a number of concessions and proposals, which were not
well-received. I question whether the union is interested in making an
agreement.

I am very disappointed and disillusioned. Had I not experienced this
process myself, I might not have believed it. Like all hockey fans, I am
hopeful this situation can be resolved as soon as possible. I miss our
game."

Statement from Jeff Vinik

Tampa Bay Lightning Chairman and Governor Jeff Vinik today issued the
follow statement today: