The NHL and NHLPA both issued statements today.
Bill Daly, NHL deputy commissioner:
"The National Hockey League deeply regrets having to take this action. By presenting a proposal to the NHLPA that contemplated a fair division of revenues and was responsive to Player concerns regarding the value of their contracts, we had hoped to be able to forge a long-term. Collective Bargaining Agreement that would have preserved an 82-game Regular Season for our fans. Unfortunately, that did not occur.
"We acknowledge and accept that there is joint responsibility in collective bargaining and, though we are profoundly disappointed that a new agreement has not been attained to this point, we remain committed to achieving an agreement that is fair for the Players and the Clubs -- one that will be good for the game and our fans."
Donald Fehr, NHLPA executive director:
“The league officially informed us today that they have withdrawn their latest proposal and have cancelled another slate of regular season games. This is deeply disappointing for all hockey fans and everyone who makes their living from hockey, including the players. But it comes as no surprise.
"Last week the owners gave us what amounts to a 'take-it-or-leave-it' proposal. We responded with the framework for three proposals on the players’ share, each of which moved significantly, towards their stated desire for a 50-50 split of HRR, with the only condition being that they honour contracts they have already signed. Honouring contracts signed between owners and players is a reasonable request. Unfortunately, after considering them for only 10 minutes they rejected all of our proposals.
"Since then, we have repeatedly advised the owners that the players are prepared to sit down and negotiate on any day, with no pre-conditions. The owners refused. They apparently are only interested in meeting if we first agree to everything in their last offer, except for perhaps a few minor tweaks and discussion of their “make whole” provision.
"The message from the owners seems to be: if you don't give us exactly what we want, there is no point in talking. They have shown they are very good at delivering deadlines and demands, but we need a willing partner to negotiate. We hope they return to the table in order to get the players back on the ice soon.”
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
It's the Definition of Incompetence
Fri, 10/26/2012 - 22:31 — abramsdougBoth Bettman and Fehr understand that the ultimate resolution will be 50/50 of Hockey Related Revenue and that current contracts must be honored, even though the shortfall for honoring current contracts must be paid over time. The definition of incompetence is that Bettman and Fehr so mangled their negotiations that they reached a stalemate.
With leaders like that, who needs enemies?
Ego
Sat, 10/27/2012 - 09:26 — CanarseAt this point this is all about the egos of Donald Fehr and Gary Bettman. Neither are willing to begin negotiations unless those negotiations are based upon their offers. It seems obvious to many that there is a deal to be made, but how it is to be made is now the issue.
We are watching two selfish hardliners, that really aren't that far apart, argue over next to nothing to satisfy their egos. Not all that different than the Presidential election.
Doomed
Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:14 — lewpulsWe are doomed to suffer through the self-righteousness of the participants.
It reminds me of stories (highlighted in Jared Diamond's "Collapse") where people went on doing things the way they wanted, while their environment deteriorated and finally collapsed around them. Hockey is the environment, in this case.
My letter to both sides...
Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:02 — louis12580I am someone who's not worked in a couple of years due to the downturn in the economy. I have saved a lot of money and use that money to purchase season tickets to the 'Canes games. I also use some of that money to donate to the Kids 'n Community Foundation. Both are my choice, as it is your coleective choice to engage in a bitter and needless exchange of rhetoric that, quite frankly I, and many others are tired of hearing and reading. I can not voice my disgust strongly enough, especially with some of the owners who are intent in dragging the league down a cesspool. The league has made, according to reports, record profits from when the last lockout ended, yet owners now seem to think it's them that fans pay to see. Granted, players getting 57% is high, but to do what you intend on doing is mindboggling. So many people out there need the second income. Businesses lose money when no games are played. Tax revenues are lost to the various municipalities, states/provinces and that's now money gone and never to return. Negotiations are never won in the war of rhetoric. They're achieved by sitting down and acting like the rational adults you think you are. Start acting like grownups, not some grade school children. I'll say this again I, and many others are tired of your pettiness and shortsidedness. We'll believe how much you "care" about the fans when the next time we hear/see from you that thre's a deal. Until then, just be quiet!