Having not been associated with a Stanley Cup winning team during my 39 years in the NHL, I did not know what to expect after the Kings won that treasured trophy this past June. What I found was that there is truly a mystique surrounding the oldest trophy competed for by professional athletes in North America.
When my wife, Judy, and I had the Cup for four hours on June 26, 180 people showed up at the reception. All were in awe of being in the presence of the Cup and to have the opportunity to have their photo taken. Many asked me, ‘Can I touch it?’ I said, ‘Yes, you can touch it.’ Then they would ask, ‘Can I kiss it?’ I would answer, ‘Yes, you can kiss it…we’re giving free tetanus shots in the back of the room.’ I don’t know which has more DNA on it…the Stanley Cup or the Blarney Stone in Ireland and I’ve kissed them both.
The excitement over the Kings winning the Stanley Cup went far beyond the boundaries of Southern California. Shortly after the Kings victory I heard by e-mail and telephone from friends all over the United States. I did numerous phone interviews on radio including one on a station in Australia. Someone on the station called and said, ‘We want to talk with you about the Kings winning the Stanley Cup.’
On a short trip my wife and I took this past summer to the Sonoma Valley wine country of Northern California, we stopped at Armida Winery, just outside of the small town of Healdsburg. As we exited our car, a winery worker driving a small cart, stopped, looked at me and said, ‘Did you bring the Stanley Cup with you?’ It turned out his name is Brandon Lapides, and he is the winemaker at Armida. He said he is a huge hockey fan and watched all the Kings’ playoff games. He later gave me a bottle of Armida Zinfandel and autographed the bottle with congratulations to the Kings.
Perhaps some of you heard about the charity golf tournament I attended in Glendora, California, this month. It was a fundraiser for “Sowing Seeds for Life,” a regional food bank in the East San Gabriel Valley started by Vicki Brown with just $100. Now they feed 6,000 people each month. At the dinner after the golf tournament, a live auction item was up for bid and the bidding reached $2,500. The auctioneer said we need $3,000, who will give $3,000?
I was wearing a Kings golf shirt with the Stanley Cup Champions logo on it, and a man named Don Dirian said he would give $3,000 if, ‘I can have Bob Miller’s Stanley Cup shirt.’ Since it was for a good cause, I stripped off my shirt and exchanged shirts with him. A crowd of about 150 at the dinner went wild and when I got home my wife said, ‘Where did you get that shirt?’ After I told her the story she said, ‘Are those your pants?’ I told her I would only go so far!
I hope that many of you have had your own great experience with the Stanley Cup this summer since it has truly been a summer to remember for all Kings’ fans. One more note, and I have mentioned this every time I have made an appearance or a speech in front of a group this summer, and that is I am so proud of all you Kings’ fans who showed the World that fans can celebrate a championship without vandalism or other destructive acts. All of you fans deserve congratulations.
Great story, Bob. We miss you guys calling all the action on the ice. Hopefully, the season will start so the Stanley Cup champions can defend their title.
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debra turull Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 7:09 pm
@gr81scores, You are one in a million Bob. Always the eternal optimist, the guy with the cup “half full”, you deserved the cup more than anyone on the team. We wish you many more years of announcing. I can’t believe we missed you, we lived in the Glendora area for 10 years, but moved to Paso Robles 1 1/2 years ago. The only thing we miss is the King’s organization. The hockey fans up here are split between the King’s Cup and Sharksville. At least we can get the games on Dish! Hey if you want good wine, come up to Paso Robles, they make Zin like nobody’s business and of course, bring the Cup to sample it in. We also hope with gr81scores the season will start soon.
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Hang in there Bob. You deserve the opportunity to witness and create the soundtrack for Kings reign atop the NHL. With a little luck you’ll be the narrator of a dynasty like the old Islanders or Flyers of the late 70s and early 80s
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Bob? Bob who? (Kidding!!!)
Supremely glad that the Kings won the Cup for Bob! The best reason to have won it!
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Kissing, DNA, tetanus shots and torn off shirts…what a strong first post on the Insider Bob! And a warm welcome to the blog made ever so famous by your former colleague, Rich Hammond.
As happy as you were to see all us long-awaiting fans enjoy the Kings first Cup, I think it’s safe to say there was no other person more deserving than yourself. Thank you for all your years of incredible broadcasting, making the game fun to listen too, even when the Kings were horrible (which was far too often!). A huge congratulations to you too!
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Kingsfanone Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 10:46 am
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
And Bob noticed we aren’t like Laker fan!
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A HUGE welcome to the voice of the KINGS.
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Bob, thank you for this post. One of the best things about the Kings winning the Cup was that we got to see you be a part of it. We are all extremely proud and happy for you, and glad you have been with us all for so long. Thank you for everything.
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Forum Gold Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 11:17 am
@Newf, +1.
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PRMan Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 1:01 pm
@Newf, My prayers have been answered. I literally told God that it wouldn’t be fair if Bob never saw the Kings win it after everything he has selflessly given to this organization over the years.
Bob, you’re a class act every time I have met you and I’m glad that you had an opportunity to hang out with Stanley for a while.
Peace,
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LOL you know what is best how people respond like bob is reading responces lol
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Michael J. Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
@pr0cess,
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Daren Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
@pr0cess, I guarantee you that he is reading the responses to his post. Human nature. So, a little late but I concur that watching Kings games isn’t the same without Bob Miller. A class act and a great announcer. Thanks for all you do and look forward to hearing you call the games real soon!!
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Bob, thanks for all the memories over the years. Here’s hoping there are more to come.
PS – I remember you when you had hair!
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Great stuff Bob!
2 of my favorite things to hear this time of year…
“Well hi everybody, Bob Miller along with Jim Fox…”
“Aaaannnnd coming up right now, with the play-by-play….Bob Miller”
“Alright Jim, thank you very much…”
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 11:35 am
@Sebastian, Nicely done.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
@Sebastian,
Did anyone else hear Bob and Jim’s voices while reading those lines?
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
@Michael J., 100%
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Exospeed Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
@Michael J., I did!
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LGK!! Reply:
October 21st, 2012 at 12:56 pm
@Michael J., not only that, but I could hear the crowd cheering as well!
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IceGuy Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
@Sebastian,
I would only add one more line for Bob …
“And yes, Jim, these are my pants.”
Judy Miller already gets the quote of the year, and we haven’t even started playing hockey yet! Congrats, Judy!
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variable Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
@Sebastian,
ahhh…memories….
thanks BOB for the post…(!)
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Let's do it again Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 11:05 am
@variable, the first good post we’ve had in awhile. Bobs the best.
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Been a diehard since ’72….I “saw” the Cup on display during the ’93 finals.
I sure wish I could have “touched” the Cup this time. I feel cheated to be honest.
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Does everyone realize how Southern California has been blessed over the years with the best broadcasters on the planet. IMHO! Bob and Nick./Jim, Vin and Jerry Dogget, Chick and his myriad of color men, Dick Enberg with Don Wells/Dan Avery. Each one has had incredible impact on the sports scene in SO CAL. A Big Thank You to all…
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Does everyone realize how Southern California has been blessed over the years with the best broadcasters on the planet. IMHO! Bob and Nick./Jim, Vin and Jerry Dogget, Chick and his myriad of color men, Dick Enberg with Don Wells/Dan Avery. Each one has had incredible impact on the sports scene in SO CAL. A Big Thank You to all…
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Howe9 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:33 am
@dana l, You can say that again!
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Bob Miller, a living legend. Thank you for everything.
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Dear Bob,
You are a class act, and thanks for all the years of being the voice of the LA Kings, us fans really do appreciate you and your work very much! Always stopping to say hi to all the fans all the time and answer all questions too. See you soon.
You and Jim do so much charity work, for all good causes, cheers to you both!
Go Kings Go!
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My most magical moment of the Stanley Cup finals was watching the Kings win game 6, my most magical moment of my hockey life was meeting Bob in the concourse of the Prudential Center before Game 1 in NJ. It was awesome. He was basically chilling by himself and i got a picture and gave him a hug.
I have listened to Bob more than I’ve listened to my mom. Literally and figuratively.
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Michael J. Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
@Shakes,
Cool
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Bob, As a Kings fan since 1967 this is absolutely the best. I remember when you came to the Kings I believe in 1973 and have really enjoyed hearing you call the games all these years. I’m so happy for you and Jim Fox. It hurts my ears when I have to watch a Kings games and listen to anyone else.
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So happy the head of the Kings family got his day with the Cup!
All is right in LALA LAnd!!
GO KINGS GO!
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Thank you Bob!
I never got to see the cup – I live in Utah and couldn’t figure out when/if Trevor Lewis would be showing it off publicly. I’ve had to live vicariously through the personal experiences of those who got the chance. And you’ve got a way with words.
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Gotta love Bob, Jim, Nick & Daryl. These guys are alway so willing to talk anseem genuinely happy to do it.
Thanks to Bob for doing such a great job for so many years.
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bob is such a good writer o_O
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Bob, Thank you for all you have done and in the future. Remember you have a lifetime contract.
I’m looking forward to when you decide to write your next book, “Bob Miller’s Tales from the Los Angeles Kings 2 “. Would love to hear about the “Pea in the whistle” that had you and Jim in stitches to all the stories of the Stanley Cup run.
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Bob, thanks you deserve all the great times with the cup.
NHLPA, Fehr not happy with NHL Offer.
http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8515941/donald-fehr-questions-nhl-offer-letter-players
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
@luc20rules, just like a wife…..never happy…..at least mine!
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variable Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
@luc20rules,
nor should he be…he’s 100% right…
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luc20rules Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 3:33 pm
@variable, I know where your coming from, but to Fehr how making a counter offer instead of negative quips to the press. This PR war makes me sick. If the energy used to fuel the pointless PR war were used to work out a solution this would have been put to bed aready. Nothing will make me happy about either side until the puck is dropped and NHL hockey is under way.
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Thanks for the smile and all your time. PS Your wife is hilarious.
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Hope there is no photo of you undressing! Sorry.. Great to hear your stories Bob. Hope the game gets going again so I can hear your voice.
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If the both sides of the lock-out were smart, they would hire a great communicator like Bob to mediate them through the negotiations. Ths of course means we are doomed since neither side has agreed to brimg Bob in thus exposing their level of intelligence.
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from what i have gathered and understood from this latest “proposal” by the NHL, there is no way in the world that Fehr and the NHLPA would and should accept this offer…
if you look beyond the faux PR move by the league’s “50/50 split” offer and look at the details, the deal in its entirety is a huge step back for the players…
the only good thing to come out of the latest offer is that the league has decided to take off the table the 17% salary rollback they wanted the players to initially take…
those of you who are not looking at this proposed deal logically and objectively are just frustrated fans who want hockey to come back so badly, that they’re willing to accept anything at this point…
the term “50/50 HRR split” could have so many ramifications and caveats to it that it makes it lopsided towards the owners’ share…this is not a good deal for the players at all… and as long as Fehr is the U-boat commander, nothing like this proposal will be accepted…
this might not be an ex-parrot….but it’s a non-offer, soley made by the NHL to unashamedly sway public opinion towards them…the “50/50 proposal is b.s…and just eye candy – a ploy – to gain the support of the casual observer…
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@variable, There is no way that another CBA is signed without players taking cuts one way or another…whether it be immediate salary rollback or escrow payments ect…plain and simple! Its just a matter of how much and when, or over what period of time.If that wasnt the case we would be watching the 2013-2013 NHL season right now. Unless you know more than everyone else at this point and can provide the “details” of the “50/50 HRR split” than you are just speculating like the rest of us. The key word you used is “could”….It “could” be alot of things, but until I see the actual details of what HRR is in the current offer from the owners and how it differs if at all from the last CBA, I will hold off judgement and stay with the stand that I dont agree or support either side….regardless of PR
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variable Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
here ya go…;)
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=643570
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
@variable, lots of info there but it still doesnt break down what HRR is. Im not talking about whart percentages go were and to whom… I want to know what HRR actually consists of and how it differs from the last CBA if at all. I think once we know that then we can decide whether its purely a PR move to sway fans and possibly stick it to the PA with fine print / clauses ect or something of substance that the PA can and should work with or negotiate off of.
CB14 Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
@BrokeKungsFan,
2. HRR Accounting:
• Current HRR Accounting subject to mutual clarification of existing interpretations and settlements.
The “existing” part means it’s the same as the last CBA.
Lake Forest Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
@variable, This is what I dont get and I need someone’s help in pointing it out. Has something changed in the definition of HRR, or are we just saying going from 57% to 50% is unfair? I’d argue that point, however if HRR is different then I can accept the NHLPA rejecting this offer.
People’s opinions of what is fair, differ obviously
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CB14 Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
@Lake Forest, I believe HRR is staying the same in the owners current offer.
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CB14 Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
@variable, I never thought the PA would accept this current offer, but it’s a good starting point. (Side note: It’s pretty pathetic that it took the owners a month into a lockout for them to come up with an offer that the players didn’t immediately throw in the trash.) At least now the PA can make a counter offer, and the 2 sides can HOPEFULLY negotiate the differences.
As i’ve said previously, I think a deal can get done with a 50-50 split in years 3-6 as long as the first 2 years don’t make the players take a decrease in the total amount of HRR they recieved last year. Make the players total amount of HRR be 1.88 billion, (the same as last season), for the next 2 seasons, or as long as it takes to get a 50-50 split in revenues without making the players recieve less than 1.88 billion.
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luc20rules Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
@CB14, That makes a ton of sense. I would agree that the owners offer is not meaningless because it starts a closer bargaining point more then 3% of HRR considering the previous offer was 47% then sinking to 43%. I think Fehr’s next NHLPA offer must come quick and be within 4% of the NHLs offer or there may not be a season. Remember Westgarth’s analysis of not wanting to lose games or a season for 1% that goes for both sides, so if they get within 2% I would think a deal will get done soon. Its just a matter if they get that close soon enough to enjoy a full or partial season.
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variable Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
@CB14,
the best thing about this new proposal is that the NHL took the 17% salary rollback off the table – that’s it…
it’s a start to somewhere…(?)
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Gustavo Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 6:37 pm
@variable,
And why shoud I give a flying puck whether this latest proposal benfits the owners or the players as long as I get what I want and pay for?
Neither side is planning to share a dime with me, you or anyone else who is waiting for this be resolved once and for all
As it is right now the NHL is not getting a dime out of me in merchandise, food or drink. They make me wait for my hockey. Fine. I’ll make them beg for that share I contribute to their beloved Hockey Related Revenue. I also plan to sell as many of my season tix as possible for profit and encourage the buyers to eat dinner before the game and buy knockoff hockey merchandise.
Instead of caring about what you think is fair and right for players and owners let’s worry about our own wallet and vote with it.
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variable Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
@Gustavo,
that’s what great about this country – freedom of choice…(cue devo…)
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variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:26 pm
@Gustavo,
i also wanted to make sure you got my reply to yr post on the previous thread regarding the increase of the NHL’s operating costs…
so here’s the re-post…:
@Gustavo,
but that’s not the player’s responsibility…
you cannot blame the players for INCREASING OPERATING COST…you can certainly make them pay for it – which the NHL is solely inclined to do…
but if the NHL maxed it’s efficiency in franchise allocations, proper revenue sharing between the larger /smaller markets and got out of markets which are dragging down the rest of the league, we wouldn’t be where we are now…
many of the OPERATING COST INCREASES of resulted in poor franchise development and real estate deals…if the NHL has to control three or four franchises at a time with their OWN money, of course the operating cost – unilaterally – would affect the rest of the league…
that’s why you can say 50/50…or 60/40….or any number in between – it doesn’t matter…HRR has become subjective – and that was the NHL’s choice – they let that figure control the talks…the NHLPA has played their game…most of what FEHR has said has been true…and i believe he negotiates in good faith…
on the other hand, do you really believe the NHL is negotiating fairly, in spite of which side you support…?
the cap percentages, ratios discussed by LUC20RULES above seem about right…but you have to understand that the NHL believes in spending…yes, that’s right…they want teams to spend money to be competitive…so they are forced to narrow floor-from-ceiling ratios and force the smaller market teams to keep up…that’s how they believe they can maintain a competitive balance among all 30 teams…
the problem is that they have been proven wrong…
wrong in moving hartford…
wrong in moving to atlanta…
wrong in bailing out phoenix instead of contracting or relocating them…
wrong for not having a team in seattle…
wrong for keeping the islanders (the wangers) on the island – hey…they’ve tried everything, nothing has worked…it’s been over a decade now with no end in sight…hello okc…?…las vegas…?…seattle…?…hamilton…?
wrong in aiding new jersey in their attempt to remain solvent with past/current ownership…
wrong in letting florida move out of the miami heat’s arena…
wrong in underestimating the resolve of the players this time around…
with the exception of my last point about underestimating the player’s resolve, everything else has ADDED to the NHL’s OVERALL OPERATING COSTS and has greatly affected the NHL’s PROFITABILITY…
how are the player’s responsible for this…?
sure, they have agents…but no agent in the world is able to forge a GM’s/owners signature(s)…
this is the NHL fighting with the NHL…and they own this lockout…the players are the scapegoats…and i give them a bit more leeway in the media and PR world than i do the nhl – they have earned it by taking massive cuts in the past…
all the NHL has done during the duration of the last CBA is make the league more popular AT ANY COSTS…this is the NHL’s lockout…the players are just the patsy’s…
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Bob,
Thank you for providing me so much joy over the years. For most of my 35 years as a Kings fan it seemed like you were the only reason to tune in to the broadcasts. You suffered right along with the rest of us, but you always let us hope things would eventually turn around.
One of my favorite pictures from June 11th is the one with you holding the Cup over your head. An additional bonus was the conversation you had with Vin Scully the next day on one of the local radio stations.
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I think it’s pretty clear that yesterday’s move by the NHL was predominantly a PR move and that the players see through it. The thing is, though, that whether or not anyone likes it, the NHL played it perfectly. So many fans have now turned on the players, which was exactly what the NHL wanted. Now all the pressure to “save the season” lies on the players. However, if the players don’t fold, or if negotiation can’t be done to reach an agreement by the new deadline, I feel like it will do tremendous damage to the league’s fanbase. Dangling a season in front of us and then yanking it away like this could be the last straw for a lot of fans and they might see some backlash. It doesn’t matter what’s right or what’s fair any more… NHL played their best card and they’re winning.
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just one more thing…
this lockout has less to do with the players and more about the economics and revenue sharing between the larger and smaller markets…the NHLPA is the patsy…the league wants the players to pay for the owners’ and commissioner’s mistakes…this lockout is solely owned by the owners – period…(!)
i have absolutely no sympathy for them… and i am personally in favor of no season starting unless the players get a fair deal…and by the looks of it, it’s beginning to and back again…
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@variable, so what exactly is fair then? I see this word thrown around alot and no one has any inkling or views as to what is fair. From my simplistic views on the world 50/50 seems fair to me. It also seems to me that owners and players are “business partners” and one cant exist without the other (and IMO the owners hold majority stake). Regardless of how big or what the pie consists of I cant personally create an argument in my mind for players to get anything over 50%. I dont get a dime of the money the owner of my company generates in profit or revenue, so 50% seems more than reasonable to me. IMO they shouldnt get anything. All players should recieve an agreed upon leaugue wide base salary and be offered production incentives to increase it. you score 30 goals youll get paid more than the guy who scores 5.
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CB14 Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Fair, to me, is for the owners to honor the contracts that they agreed to, and not make the players take a 12% pay cut, which is what a 50-50 split next year would mean. Personally I don’t feel like that’s too much to ask.
As far as the 50-50 split being fair, I agree with you, it seems like a logical split of the revenues. Also, I think the players have no problem with that as long as it doesn’t affect the contracts that they’ve previously signed, which the owners offer does.
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luc20rules Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Nice point about fair. Is it fair that many fans work jobs they hate for $50,000 a year and are charge $12 for a 20oz domestic beer at the game they love? Is it fair that the best player in the NHL makes 10 Mil/yr to play the game he loves? Obviously fair depends where you view(social, economic, etc) the world from. Plain and simple very rarely is the world fair I won’t even bother to list examples we all know this. I want the NHL CBA done both sides are privledged to an extent I really can’t even imagine, so I see little solice in saying the NHL or NHLPA is right. Its a dog eat dog world and the one of the things that helped me forget that and just be entertained was the NHL and I am lockedout.
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variable Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
@BrokeKingsFan,
my point is that, in this case, “50/50 split” proposal does not mean the players are getting an equitable deal on other peripheral issues like…:
- escrow…
- UFA eligibility
- entry-level contract terms…
the proposed UFA change from 28/8 to 27/7 is huge – fehr realizes the potential income lost for players entering their prime…this is all a part of the NHL’s plan to eliminate the spikes in payroll during a player’s second contract…
the NHL wants to put an emphasis on a player’s third contract, meaning the player cannot maximize his earning potential until his eighth year of service or when he turns 28 – which ever comes first…
so, instead of front loading deals, the NHL wants to reverse the trend by paying players more money as they exit their prime…
huh…?
how does this solve AAV issues down the road in terms of cap hit…?
if the owners are already deferring salary payments via escrow in any future agreement, then how can owing a player more money at the end of his deal help AAV and cap limits…?
just because the NHL says it’s “50/50″, doesn’t mean it is…
it’s quite conceivable that in terms of face value, the players are being asked to take a larger revenue cut than just 7%…i’m not saying the players deserve more than 50% of HRR…what i’m saying is that when you examine the parts of this proposed deal that have been made public, i don’t see it being a “50/50″ split…
so the HRR breakdown is crucial – yr right…and gaining more information on what is covered and disseminated under HRR will be key in figuring out the depth of how much the players will lose versus the previous CBA…
it’s not about the player’s taking a substantial pay cut – they realize that…however it’s more about Fehr acting on principle and conviction, as he tries to get a deal that lessens the blow the players will take as much as possible…
that’s his job…and, imo, he’s doing the right thing for the players and for the future rights in the NHL…
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variable Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 9:15 pm
@variable,
It should read…”the proposed UFA change from 27/7 to 28/8…”…
i got that reversed….sorry…(!)
Gustavo Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
@variable,
As much as I dislike Bettman and Daly, I have absolutely no sympathy for the NHLPA. Its leadership is perpetuating the pervasive notion of false entitlement among the players that runs so rampant in so many areas of our societies. Yes, FALSE ENTITLEMENT. The mere thought of players presuming to tell the owner how to spend their own money after they pay the players salaries is simply a repugnant concept of false entitlement.
both the NHL and the NHLPA led by attorneys. What can you expect? Good faith negotiating from either side? HA!
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variable Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 9:12 pm
@Gustavo,
false entitlement…?
i don’t think any one player feels entitled to anything…but they have earned at least a fair piece if the pie…and that’s where we can argue forever – what is fair…?
this proposal doesn’t appear to be fair at all upon reading…
we shall wait and see how aggressive the NHLPA’s counter-proposal will be…
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Yay Bob!!!
Thank You for always being unbiased and teaching us the great sport of hockey.
Couldn’t be happier that You, Jim, Nick and Daryl’s hard work over the years has finally brought you to the most exciting time. Hearing your stories and seeing your pictures has been awesome! It has truly been a dream come true for us all!! I have kissed the Cup!!
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if yr able to go back and read westy’s comments on RICH’s censored piece, he’s exactly right…
them Princeton peeps are pret-tay, pret-tay smart…(!)
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Bob, You were the most deserving person in the entire Kings Organization to hoist the Stanley Cup up high when we finally won it in June. Congratulations!
Thank you for the past 39 years of broadcasting excellence in calling Kings Games. You truly are in a league of your own! We look forward to several more years of hearing your voice behind the mike. Thanks again!
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As a King’s fan who started listening to the Kings with your good friend Jig’s McDonald I am so glad you finally got your time with the cup. My wife got an autograph copy of your book for me for Christmas a few years back and I treasure it. I do hope you get to write another with the title along the lines of “My story, The Dynasty Years”.
I am also very proud of our fans that night after we won the cup. I was fortunate enough to be at that game and afterwords in the streets it was nothing but pure fun and joy for all Kings fans.
Also thank you for doing the play by play of the winning game. Just got my copy with the wonder book and I will treasure that as well.
God Bless you Bob Miller and thank you for your wonderful work with the Kings.
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Thank you so much for sharing!!
Great great read Bob!
I am DYING to hear you and Jim call all of game 6!
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Although it is short notice, some of the insiders will be at Nicks ristorante, 2300 Harbor Blvd in Costa Mesa tonite for pizza starting at 7. If you wanna join us, dont be shy, come on by. People like @DesertKing, @luc20rules, @OnTheFly, and @lilRhody will be there.
[Reply]
LittleRhody Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
@puck73, Great… put my name on there and people certainly won’t show, lol See you guys soon.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 6:00 pm
@LittleRhody, @KopiBryant has just RSVP’d as well !
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@puck73,
Bummer. Missed the pizza…
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 8:49 pm
@puck73, Thanks, Puck73 and all other attending. It was great meeting some Kings Fans and catching up with others. Hope they get the CBA done soon, I can’t wait for the banner raising.
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 9:08 pm
@puck73, thanks for the invite puck73, you know I woulda been there if I coulda. Sorry I missed you guys tonight…
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
@puck73,
Nothing better than hanging with Kings fans amd eating pizza. Ok, well ayne hanging out with Kings fans at a Kings game is better. Ah, yeah, I guess hanging out with Kings fans at tue game when they win the Stanley Cup would be the best. Yep, that about does. Thanks for a great evening!
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 8:11 am
@DesertKing, How is the pizza there? I’v missed the last two gatherings, but hopefully with some notice I’ll make the next one.
[Reply]
King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 1:19 pm
@puck73, Just book me on the next Jet Blue 59.00 one way flight. Damn it!!! Salt Lake is just to far away!!! As soon as this lock out gets over with, I’ll be see you guys soon
[Reply]
Eat your Wheaties and take your vitamins Bob…we’ll need the voice for another Cup run!
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
@COUS, Make that several, we better put him on a fitness program as well. Take care Bob there is much more hockey to be played. Hope to read your next book “Fourpeat Crowning of a Dynasty”.
[Reply]
Bob, ever since I was a very young man attending games in Inglewood with my Childhood friend Dean (who sadly wasn’t here to witness the greatest event ever), I remember you waving and smiling from the Colonade press box at us when we called your name, even while you were in the middle doing the play by play. My impression of you back then was that of a humble and beautiful human being. As I’ve aged, I’ve come to realize that the impression I’ve developed of you is in fact correct.
To Kings fans, who grew up listening to you, you are the all time great. No one in the Franchises history has or will hold higher office than you. Many greats came and went, but you are the rock we held on to that got us through everything good or bad.
I am more happy for you than I am for myself or any other person associated with our team. Thank You for hanging in there and I look forward to hearng you again soon when the banner is raised.
[Reply]
Goring 19 Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
@Kissmyblarneystones, ah, as Joe Calla would say on KNX, “The Inglewood Icemen” lol
[Reply]
Bob,
Words can not express how lucky we feel to have you.
Thank you for being the best and the business, and for allowing us to call you ours!
Congrats to you on this cup win and we’re all excited to hear you take the tour with the cup all season long!
[Reply]
Interesting major topics of discussion-golf tournament, wine tastings, memories from the ’70s. Let’s help the site by suggesting other non-controversial topics:
Stamp Collecting trends from Bruce McNall
Corn futures outlook from Daryl Sutter
Lobbying tips from Tim Lieweke
[Reply]
Kissmyblarneystones Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
@JackKentCooke,
Or is it Coin Collecting?
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Thanks Bob.
I practically grew up listening to you perfecting Kings broadcasts since 73.
One small question. When are you going to do a follow up to your book? Maybe call it “The Cup & I”.
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Bob, thank you so much for sharing your summer of Lord Stanley’s Cup with all of us. When the final seconds ticked down and we knew we had it in the bag, I was happiest most of all for you Bob. When I was a kid back in the ’70s I used to listen to you call Kings games on radio and I remember you saying that you wanted the listener to “visualize” the game being called. You certainly achieved that to this day. I remember becoming the Bob Miller fan while listening to you call the games of the team of ’74-’75 when we all felt the Kings should have gone to the finals only to be pushed out by a mediocre Leafs team in a ridiculous 2 out of 3 format. Over the next 30+ years of Triple Crown, Miracle on Manchester, Gretzky arrives, move to Staples, and now to the celebration of the title and hopefully the beginning of a dynasty, I could not be more happy for you and your lovely wife Judy. Can’t wait for the season to start so we can start hearing the magic that is your voice Bob. I hope it happens soon. Take care, from all us Kings fans!
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Great story Bob, thanks for sharing!! I hope to hear more from you since Hammond moved on.
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All kings playoff wins on fox sports this week. Vancouver game one and two on now
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@Bob Miller: I met you over 35 years ago at my high school. You talked for a while about sports broadcasting as a career, afterwords a small group of us chatted for another half hour or so. I asked you what you thought the Kings needed most to contend for the Stanley Cup, you said a big winger to play on Dionne’s line and look after him (the triple crown line was still about a season or 2 away). Nobody I have met before or since has had so much enthusiasm and class for the sport. Bob, I am so glad this moment finally arrived for both of us. Here’s hoping you’ll still be announcing Kings games for a long time to come.
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Did anyone get a copy of the Westy interview?
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Great story Bob we are all so happy for you and yes us king fans are the best fans around. Just hope this lockout ends so we can hear you again and defend that cup. GO KINGS GO
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Respect, Bob.
2nd November, is it the date….?
GKG!
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How long does it take to review a document you were expecting and deliver a response? C’mon NHLPA, get with it.
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Should be an interesting day today.
It seems obvious the NHL released their propsal to the public to get their word out there first.
The ball is back in the players court, and from what I’ve been reading about Fehr’s comments and comments of the players, public opionion will most likely be swaying once again, against the NHLPA.
Hockey players are generally nice guys, just morons.
The players should realize by now that the less they say, the better off they’ll be. Allow Fehr and his brother to do the talking for you.
Every time someone like Toews opens his mouth, they end up doing more harm to their image than good. to come out and say he’s disappointed in the propsal makes him look bad in the court of public opinion.
The proposal, while not the win-win for the players that they were hoping, does emphasize splitting the HRR 50/50. I’m sure they can negotiate, but when the players come out and muddy the waters by saying we need a definition of HRR, or as Justin Williams put it…”They’re asking us to go down from 57-50% in a negative sense, the fans begin to sense that the players are greedy.
Right, wrong, or indifferent, the best thing to do is shut up and allow the negotiators to see if a deal can be reached. the players have once again been backed into a corner and anything short of an agreement will make them look bad.
I also heard a comment this morning from a player who said that the 82 games schedule is not a big deal. Once again, not using your head. If a deal is somehow struck where they cannot get an 82 gamer schedule in, the NHL will insist on paying the players a pro-rata share of their salaries for games missed. I’d like to hear that same player again come back later on and say it wasn’t a big deal.
Again, just not bright!
Get the deal done and get back on the ice.
[Reply]
pr0cess Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 8:05 am
@nykingfan, they will play again for i think 52/?? or something close to that.. But not before
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variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
@nykingfan,
i disagree…
[Reply]
nykingfan Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 5:12 am
@variable,
That’s what makes the world go around.
It was just one man’s opinion.
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variable Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 11:19 am
@nykingfan,
hey, buddy…
no harm…no foul…:)
This may have gone over most people heads and, of course, the media. But Gary bettman and his NHL cronies have included provisions in this new CBA proposal to help the fans he loves so much save money:
123.A DO NOT buy food or drink at the arena. Instead, support the small, non-NHL affiliated businesses around it with your patronage.
123.B DO NOT buy NHL merchandise at the arena. Instead, support the knockoff merchandise entrepreneurs outside the arena. You save money, still represent your team, they make money to pay their bills and you can always count on them saying ‘Thank You’.
123.C Sell as many of your season tickets to new or opposing team fans. They’re less likely to spend money on food and merchandise at the arena.
123.D DO NOT buy game tickets. Instead, invite as many friends and relatives as possible to watch the games on TV at bars or at someone’s home. It’s much more intimate and infinitely less expensive.
In summary, teach these posturing, egomaniac attorney bastards on both sides the empty side of your wallet if and when they decide to gives us NHL hockey back.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:06 am
@Gustavo,
I’m Gary Bettman, and I approve this message. Wait, huh? I don’t support this message? Why didn’t you tell me that before I supported it? Stupid attorneys! Now I have to force that Insider reporter to leave again. It is so hard to be the Bettman.
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:17 am
@DesertKing,
I actually lost my wallet. I suspect Bettman stole it, lol
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DesertKing Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 11:02 am
@Gustavo,
He would never steal your wallet. He would only “appropriate” it for the purpose of benefiting the league or providing Clowe with another object to throw on the ice.
Lake Forest Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 12:02 pm
@Gustavo, In El Segundo?
variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
@Lake Forrest,
i gotta get it…i gotta get it…
Any insiders attending Rocktoberfest at LA Live tomorrow night?
http://kings.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=83803&navid=DL|LAK|home
[Reply]
today is the day….either the league and players will negoiate or the talks will break down and that will be it…..If the players think that they are not going to make less in salaries in this CBA then they are in for a long year…
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:56 am
@Neil, Sorry. but I am on the players side. They gave into the owners in 05. The owners were crying their eyes out about how the game wouldnt durvive without a hard salary cap, and yet everytime I turn around, they keep finding more creative loopholes to circumvent it.
I guess it begs the question, are the owners losing money or are they rolling in it?
My opinion…they seem to enjoy talking out of both sides of their mouth. I dont believe them much at all.
[Reply]
Noah Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 10:21 am
@puck73, the other professional sports are at/around 50/50. The players have to understand this and get a deal done. I realize that they got shafted in 05, but do they actually want to lose a whole season?
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 10:29 am
@Noah, The 50/50 thing is only one issue. there are many other things that have to be hammered out besides that. Too bad its not that simple….it never is. Thats why you need attorneys in life.
Neil Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 11:23 am
@puck73, Dont ever be sorry….Iam at the point that BOTH sides are knuckleheads….What if they just make the salary cap 62 million every year for the next five…Forget the 50 50.If the owners make more money in the next 5 years then you can change the cap in 5 years..Its the5 year plan.The owners would have cost certainty and the players would have a good avg. salary…
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
@puck73,
completely agree about being on the players side…the owners own this lockout – pure and simple…
[Reply]
Gary Bettman is often on the radio with Bill Clement. Bill Clement is a really articulate and interesting guy.
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 10:21 am
@number 6, “Clement, Clement, hands of cement”
anyone remember that?
[Reply]
Belexes Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
@Sebastian,
Yeah, I think he was about the only guy on the Flyers that couldn’t fight. Oh how times have changed…
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
@Sebastian,
yeppers…
i miss clement…and thorne doing games together…
[Reply]
Sebastian Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
@Sebastian, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGN5Gl0vQIc
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Crosby, Toews, Iginla, Doan, E.Staal are attending the negotiation. I can almost see the video message by PA coming after the meeting, Crosby and others say … We just want to play hockey. We did our best to find the middle ground but unfortunatelly … We hope fans understand the situation and keep supporting us … blah, blah …
That’s your loss to the PR war, gentlemen.
[Reply]
puck73 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 10:20 am
@goldielocks, Maybe so,that being said, no way the players should take in the shorts so the fans will like them so much more. The players still stand to lot quite a bit from what I am reading on these negotiations. Hopefully at the end of the day they will be able to find enough agreements that a contract can be signed and notarized. If not, i hope the players take all the time they need until the owners get their heads screwed on straight.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 10:33 am
@puck73,
I hope they can do better. Westy is on board, and we know he is smarter than that. But the bottom line is, fans are going to love whoever gives them hockey back. To me, Bettman has the higher ground for that right now.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 10:35 am
@goldielocks,
Oh, and may I suggest the background music for that video? Locked out of heaven by Bruno Mars. That way you can draw some sympathy maybe.
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I’ve been to Toronto, seen seven owners. I know this trip is just to fall
I used to skate it, sometimes I’d shoot it. I always knew what it was for.
There can be no denyin’ that the Ferh shake ‘em down
And that the offer’s dyin’. There’s a new plague on the fans
If we could just join hands
If we could just hold hands
If we could just…
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So I watched the two games (reruns) last night and truly miss hockey. I dont have a DVR, nor do I have any type of taped games.
My wife, sarcastically, had the nerve to give me crap while the games were on.
“Honey you know who wins, you know who scores, so why are you watching this?!?”
“These are the first WHOLE games Ive watched in 2 months, spare me woman! I need my hockey!”
My little ones started chanting “GO KINGS GO”
We want hockey back!
[Reply]
Bettman- “A step backwards”, after NHLPA proposal… Not good!
[Reply]
Kopi Bryant Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
@Kopi Bryant, Hockey is Dead!
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Bettman calls todays meeting and 3 PA proposals a “step backwards.”
Bettman says the league and union are not speaking the same language. Concerned by lack of progress.
There goes the full season. Good job, guys.
[Reply]
King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 1:24 pm
@goldielocks, Is this fact or are thry still talking. If the players screw this up…
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King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake, I just read the last from NHL .Com and it said nothing of the sort. It just siad that at 2:30 4 owners and Bettman meet with the union.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
It’s not goin to show up on NHL.com right away but the informations are sadly all true.
[Reply]
King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
@goldielocks, You are right my dear friend!!! This saddens me soooo!!! Why can’t they come to some agreement?
I love Bob’s compliment about how great we Kings fans were on 6-11-12. When I decided my bucket list was more important than money (a great decision) and bought tickets for Game 6, my wife and my non-hockey fan friends expressed concern that I would be caught up in the inevitable L.A. post-championship riot.
I just smiled and said that I’ve been going to Kings games for forty years, and there is NO WAY that’s going to happen with Kings fans. NO WAY. They looked at me like I was naive, but all I could say is “I JUST KNOW that won’t happen.”
You’re right Bob – this is great group. Thanks for being our spokesman.
[Reply]
For anyone who cares… I just read on the Hockey News. com that Which is true. The talks broke off and both sides are far a part. So my friens you were right. This season is a washout. I hate when these people can’t find a way to come to some agreement. Hockey is the best of sports. But now because of money and greed we the fans miss out. Who cares who is right on this. The fact remains… This sucks big time!!! No new talks are on the herizon, so it looks as if the season is lost. If I had one wish…
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
I knew Don Fehr was going to push something that NHL wouldn’t accept when I saw those big bucks players attending the negotiation. Thay made it looks like they are speaking for all others. Are they really? If there is such a thing as for the love of the game, now is the time to leave the union.
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Don Fehr and players will speak momentarily. Yeah, wahtever …
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King Charles of Salt Lake Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@goldielocks, Please I can’t take it any more. Remember when you got your heart broke by your first love… This is how I feel now, She did it to me 6 years ago and I took her back, boom she has done it again. Yes my head is in my hands and I have a tear in my beer.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 2:52 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
Hang in there, buddy. When she says no for the first time, would you simply give up? What if she’s just posturing to see what you feel about her is true? That may be what’s happening right now in this negotiation. We’ll see.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
@King Charles of Salt Lake,
IMO, women are better negotiators when it comes to the relationship.
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Whomever writes the “Thank You Fans” on the ice after a lockout can put his brushes away.
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NHLPA news conference live.
http://www.globalwinnipeg.com/live+nhlpa+press+conference/6442736190/story.html
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Off topic – and I know Rich did a post about this awhile ago, but great Rick Reilly piece today about Luc & his mom. A good reminder to all of us what’s really important in life. Luc, we’ll keep sending good thoughts your way and think of your mother.
http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/8519788/robitaille-day-cup
[Reply]
Gail Web Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
@Forum to Staples Fan,
Yep I can only pray that Luc’s mom is doing much better now, good luck to the family our prayers are with you
[Reply]
There will be hockey but just not yet, things like this take some time, hang in there all!
GKG!
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
@Gail Web,
Yup, the deadline is 25th so plenty of time left to negotiate. It’s just the first step was utterly disappointing.
[Reply]
Don Fehr said players to go 50/50 as long as owners promise to honor all contracts that were signed by players.
Wait … didn’t they ask concession from rich owner group? Then why can’t those rich players give some concessions as well? I’d assume those players who make big bucks are reluctant because they will lose more than players who don’t make that much?
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Iam done…. BOTH sides can have each other……….Now to go yell at Direct T.V. and Time Warner to make a deal so I can watch Basketball……
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“Blah, blah, blah…it was a fair 50/50 deal…blah, blah, blah…we’re very disappointed…blah, blah, blah…it was a fair 50/50 deal…blah, blah, blah…we’re very disappointed.” -Gary ‘crocodile tears’ Bettman
And just like a Swiss watch, the owners immediately come out with a ‘woe is us’ press conference. Bettman even used the term ‘fair and balanced,’ which sounds like it’s right out of their GOP strategist’s playbook. It’s amazing what good PR can do. It’s clearly working with comments like this from fans…
“I think the players should have accepted the management’s offer. A 50/50 aplit is pretty generous.”
“The owners have propsed a fair 50/50 split.”
“In my opinion the deal is very fair. Sure giving up money you earned before is tough regardless of the amount, but when the owners lose money, do the players give any back? No way. So the owners take all the risk and what do they want in return? 50/50. I am firmly on the onwers side now.”
“I can’t say I’m all that educated on what else the offer entails (I don’t care to read that much) but as far as the revenue sharing at 50/50 goes that seems more than fair.”
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 3:10 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), I have to ask what do you believe to be a fair deal?? I’ve seen a ton of comments from you stating what you disagree with when other people express their thoughts of fairness.
What is a fair deal to you or to the players?
I apologize, maybe I missed it, but pointing to the league for not being fair without advising what you think is fair is not moving forward.
I’m not siding with players or the league, I just want to know what other people see as fair that don’t agree with the 50/50. (not trying to sound harsh towards you specifically, I just want to hear the players side of it).
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 3:34 pm
@Lake Forest,
Fair is what both sides decide is so. And I’m not being glib in saying so. It is a totally subjective word. For a very easy way to put proper perspective on negotiations like this, remember that when the last CBA was signed, the owners thought it was extremely fair. The word ‘fair’ by itself inherently conjures up visions of 50/50 no matter what. In this particular case, the owners are using that to their advantage because they are happy with 50/50 (even though they said they wanted 57% before). I don’t blame them for doing it because it’s very shrewd and smart. I’m just pointing out how it’s PR and posturing and in no way reflects what is truly fair for both sides. When an agreement is reached and signed, it will be, by definition, fair. Everything else is just talk.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
@Lake Forest, Also, I know that you were asking me what my personal opinion is as to what I think is fair and I really don’t have one. The fact is, I do not know enough of the details on either side to make an informed decision on the matter…and neither does any fan. The HRR percentage thing is just one aspect of the CBA. When does free agency start? What’s fair there? These are not simple problems (not that you are implying they are).
[Reply]
rogiesbackup Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), LOL….”GOP strategist.” LMAO!! At least the owners stayed away from the infamous percentile of 47%!!!!
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), Agree 100%. A lot is being missed here. The players DO NOT WANT to have to tell the owners how to spend their money. The OWNERS used the revenue percentage to shove a deal down the players throats they didn’t want. Now they are simply trying to TAKE MORE AWAY from the players. This point is being missed by nearly everybody. Bettman and the owners have perfectly planned and timed their statements to make the NHLPA look like the bad guys when all that want is NOT TO HAVE TO MAKE ANY MORE CONCESSIONS. And stop putting the whole season or a shortened season on the players. Absolute nonsense. The league can start play while they negotiate. They can extend the schedule another week or 2. They can play a slightly shorter schedule. They can come back with a more reasonable offer. They could, and can, do a lot of things. Ultimately, THEY decide when, or IF we play Hockey. Not the players. They are acting like they have made major concessions. They haven’t.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
@HockeyNerd,
Excellent points. The union is doing a really poor job countering such an obvious move by the owners. They should have already anticipated the owners response and keyed in on Bettman’s words, “this is our best offer,” and pointed out how they are totally unwilling to fully consider their offer. When you have Westgarth tweeting the players response, you know they are not nearly as organized as they say they are.
[Reply]
IceGuy Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
@HockeyNerd,
I am forced to agree with you that the players do not want to tell the owner how to spend their money.
But that would include the players not being in any way concerned with the fact that the Owners want the Players to pay out of pocket for the Owners over spending. That’s what really gets me going.
How can the Wild’s Craig Leipold claim that they can’t make a profit when days before the lockout, he committed to almost $200M in contracts to two players? No one forced Leipold to make those offers. No one put a gun to his head and told him he must do it. He chose to make that financial commitment. Now you can’t turn around and say I can’t make any profit.
That situation and Kovi’s merely point out the elephant in the room of these negotiations. The Owners are demanding that the Players financially save the Owners from themselves. I can’t, and don’t, buy that argument.
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
@IceGuy, I don’t buy that argument either, it’s a stupid way of thinking. The thing is though, the NBA was in the EXACT type of situation last year that the NHL is currently in. They wanted the NBA players to help save them from themselves. It’s actually quite amazing how much the two leagues are alike in that regard. If you don’t know how it ended, the Owners ultimately got the 50-50 split that they wanted after locking out the players for 3 months. I’m sure you’re aware that some NHL owners also own NBA teams, and the one’s that don’t own NBA teams i’m sure know that the lockout ended in the owners favor.
variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:05 pm
@HockeyNerd,
+1,000….(!)
the owners own this lockout – period…
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), It seems to me like alot of the people saying the owners offer is fair are people who don’t remember a thing about the last CBA negotiations. The fans that do remember the previous negotiations and are still on the owners side are the type of people who think hockey players are paid too much money as it is, and should be happy the owners are willing to give them a 50-50 split. They’re certainly entitled to their opinions, but I completely disagree with that way of thinking.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
@CB14, You’re probably right. And it’s probably the same people who say things like, “If I asked my boss for…,” who feel that way about what the players make. Unions started to help protect workers from actual physical injury and just to be paid a living wage. But every business is different. In the vast majority of businesses, owners don’t sell their employees as is with the NHL (and other sports). That is why players deserve all they can get. It’s far more a partnership than a classic owner/union relationship. And that’s not even considering the large/small market equation.
One thing I hope the league gets is more power to discipline players. The $2,500 max fine is a joke. I have no idea if that’s even part of the negotiations but it should be if it isn’t.
[Reply]
Welcome aboard Bob!! I’ve been watching Kings Hockey since the mid seventies; what’s your secret for looking the same since the seventies??? You hardly aged!!!
Winning the cup is literally the icing on the cake; I absolutely abhor the phrase “longtime suffering Kings fan!”
Win or loose Kings hockey has been some of the most exciting hockey games I’ve seen! So please can we get that phrase out of everybody’s language? I’ve ENJOYED Kings Hockey all these years and never considered myself a “suffering fan.”
I have a tape of the whole game you called against the Kings vs. Canadiens with you calling out Vachon’s THREE consecutive saves!!!
Whatever happend to those old kings music during the telecast with those bongo drums? Who wrote the Kings “celebration song” anyways??
[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 3:33 pm
@rogiesbackup, I believe you’re referring to the “Kings March”, which was written, believe it or not, by Jack Kent Cooke. After he sold the team I think the Kings continued to use it until they discovered that they’d have to pay royalties to JKC every time they played it.
[Reply]
Forum Gold Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 6:03 pm
@rogiesbackup, They do play a very small portion of the JKC song after the 1st period. I ALWAYS enjoy hearing it. Could not agree with you more as I have been loving being a Kings fan since 1969. Lean years yes, but I would not trade my years of watching Kings hockey for anything.
[Reply]
I went to the owner of my company today and asked if he’d give me 50% of his revenues. They had to call the paramedics because he was laughing so hard people were afraid he’d have a seizure…
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 3:37 pm
@deadcatbounce, Is the product that he sells YOU? If so, you might want to walk out of the office and then see if the stops laughing.
[Reply]
deadcatbounce Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 6:08 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), He would just hire a replacement and I’d soon be forgotten about.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 8:39 am
@deadcatbounce, Respectfully, you’re just not getting it.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 8:45 am
@deadcatbounce, Imagine you are financing a film. The only reason you are producing that film is because the producer told you Brad Pitt will star in it. The producer negotiates with Brad’s agent (and by proxy, the actors union) but Brad decides he needs to be paid more. In your scenario, the producer says fine and hires Stephen Dorff instead. At which point, you the financier, promptly remove your money from the table. No more movie…or in the case above, no more NHL. If a person is the product, he or she cannot be replaced.
Bill Daly: “The so-called 50-50 deal, plus honoring current contracts proposed by the NHLPA earlier today is being misrepresented. It is not a 50-50 deal. It is, most likely a 56- to 57-percent deal in Year One and never gets to 50% during the proposed 5-yr term of the agreement. The proposal contemplates paying the players approx. $650 million outside of the players’ share. In effect, the union is proposing to change the accounting rules to be able to say ’50-50′ when in reality it is not. The union told us that they had not yet ‘run the numbers.’ We did.”
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
@goldielocks,
“In effect, the union is proposing to change the accounting rules to be able to say ’50-50′ when in reality it is not.”
When in reality? The reality is, in their proposal, with the changes they are proposing, it is…in their reality, 50/50.
Reality can be a tricky thing.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
@goldielocks,
this has been exactly my point over the last couple of days…
what is 50/50 consist of…and based upon what we know, just doing some quick math, the proposed NHL deal is fraught with vague ceilings and floors and doesn’t specify deferment percentages (although the league is claiming that it would be around 17-20%)…
you can say something is “50/50″ all you want…but if it breaks down otherwise, it can’t be “50/50″…
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uuuummmmm….can we just disband the Union? please?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Didn’t we do that back in the mid 1800′s?
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
@CB14, Yeah, I guess so. It worked didnt it?
[Reply]
CB14 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, Yeah it did.
408kingsfan Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
@BrokeKingsFan, I think agents are all the union players need
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We should all go to Vancouver and riot. Ok, maybe not riot, but at least knock over a porta-potti.
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Bob, you are the classiest of the classiest. Such a shame we can’t all be enjoying the fruits of last season’s success. I have a question for you and I don’t know if it’s already been asked but…If this season is canceled in it’s entirety (God forbid), will you still be calling it quits?
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“It Depends on what the meaning of the word is is”
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jess Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
@Lake Forest,
Still pissed off about that.
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CB14 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
@Lake Forest, LOL!
Gary Bettman – “I did not make an offer with less than a 50-50 split in Hockey Related Revenue.”
Gary Bettman a week later – “In deed I did make an offer with less that a 50-50 split in Hockey Related Revenue.”
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Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:23 pm
@Lake Forest, “I did not have hockey relations with that owner.”
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toemas_sandstrom Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com), in the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, that’s a good one…
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forget 50 50….Salary cap is 62 million every year for 5 years….F/A after 3 years. Owners can spend as little or as much as they want. Re do the team’s budget..You know your cost for the next 5 years. Drop the freaking Puck and lets play!!!
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Bob, you’re one of my favorite aspects of the Kings. I’m glad you are pitching in here until they find a suitable follow up to Rich. Reading this put a big smile on my face.
=)
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i think it’s time to stop looking at the “50/50″ argument and try to examine where the HRR is coming from, how it’s projected, how it affects future team budgets and how many concessions the players need to make in order to get a FAIR VALUE for their services…
and that’s what should be emphasized here – a fair value for their services…
50/50 could mean less money for the players overall, depending on the total HRR pool…there are some many possible breakdowns of what constitutes a “”fair market/value” deal that it would be extremely time consuming to cover them all here…not to mention, pointless, simply because the CBA is still in flux…
in contrast to other percentage splits, a 50/50 proposal doesn’t mean much to the players, IF the following occurs…:
- the switch from 27/7 to 28/8 for UFA’s is huge and exactly what Fehr pounced on in his letter…the revenue given up by players over time if that clause is agreed upon will cost them millions and millions of dollars in potential earnings…the NHL wants to make the third or fourth player contract the most lucrative…the players want more money earning potential in the second and third contract proposals that the league is offering…the league wants limits on term and dollars during the time period in between a player being an RFA and an UFA…in essence, this is the NHL’s way of trying to curtail a players’ unrestricted free agency potential and saving salary commitments early on in the battle to settle cap floors and ceilings…
- the escrow percentage is really another big issue…regardless of the HRR split, if the players have to defer more than 17-18% of their salaries, it will be very hard to finalize any deal…the NHL originally wanted to increase the escrow percentage to 22-23%…thankfully, they have backed off that plan for the time being…but who knows how they will try to get than money back and into their coffers…
- term limits on entry-level contracts from 3 to 2 years is specifically designed to fit into the NHL’s new player earnings potential…the theory is that most players enter the NHL at 21 or 22…if their first contract is only one to two years, by the end of it, they will be either 22 or 23… if the therm limits on second contracts becomes 5 years, it gives the team tremendous leverage on what they will pay a player in terms of both salary and term…the most years a player can get in their second contract is 5…and the most money they can earn during the period of the deal is $25 million (AAV $5 mil/per)…that falls right into the league’s new contract design…and establishes ownership being able to hold on to talent longer and give the players less opportunities for movement before they are 28 or have served at least 8 years of professional service….
the league can say that they are giving a fair proposal all they want…but what i have seen of it so far, it really cuts back a players earning potential during their career…i think every single player realizes that they are gonna take a significant cut…but the type of overall cut they are being asked to take in this latest proposal is far more than just 57% to 50%…there are many more caveats and…eh, um…variables involved in determining what is a fair value/market deal…
unless a deal gets done, then…and only then…will we be able to say it’s a “fair” deal, simply because both parties would have to sign off on it…
and, in theory, the song remains the same at this point…
[Reply]
FKA PakiFro Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
@variable,
You said it better than I ever could, particularly about the free agency/contract term limits.
The offer the NHLPA made today was brought up on this site by other posters..keep the cap close to the current limit until it eventually becomes 50% of revenue. That’s what Fehr offered with small, fixed dollar amount increases built in. Seems fair and reasonable to me.
Of course, I wouldn’t sweat either way as long as a deal gets done, but I agree more on the principles with the NHLPA.
[Reply]
goldielocks Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
@FKA PakiFro,
How can players insist it gets 50/50 when Don Fehr admits he didn’t run the number on proposal 3?
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 5:25 pm
@goldielocks,
i don’t think the players are insisting on anything…i truly believe they are in defense mode and have a leader in Fehr that won’t back down at any costs when it comes down to protecting the players future earnings potential…and he’s right…(!)
it’s one thing to take a significant salary hit – fine – we and the players all know this will happen…but what the NHL has proposed is near draconian (to quote Fehr) and significantly damages future earnings potential for incoming players in the six/seven years to come…
i want the players to take as little of a hit as possible simply because this lockout the owners’ own – it’s because of their poor financial decisions, coupled with Bettman’s inability to pull out of several markets and admit that those franchises were mistakes – something that he and his cronies will never, ever admit to – which has led to where we are at now…
goldielocks Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 6:27 pm
@variable,
The professional sports teams exist because there are those owners willing to spend lots of money for their commercial purpose. Even the Kings organization is not profitable if only HRR that counts (AEG made the right move I guess). NFL, MLB, NBA are more profitable. Since only 8 owners are making profit out of 30 it seems hockey is not a good business at all. It is true NHL’s southern strategy to get the national television deal is failure but what can they do? Let the huge TV deal go? Everybody says that attendance of the game is the most profitable which is not entirely true. It is the television deal that makes the most profit to NFL. I kinda understand what owners and NHL are going after. But until hockey becomes profitable sport like others, players should not ask too much. I hope owners will be patient until hockey business grows more and be profitable otherwise they can simply say we give up.
variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
@goldielocks,
the tv deal the NHL signed recently with NBC is a ten year, $200 million dollar deal…this year’s $20 million is guaranteed – regardless if there’s a season or not…
obviously, the NHL is not close to the profitability of the NFL and MLB…but the NBA has been claiming that most of their franchises have lost money during the last few seasons…and, at this point, the NBA has more franchises in trouble than in good health…they are a perfect example of a league growing way too fast, too soon and not able to fully maximize the product they offer…they have too many teams and allow players to come into the league way too soon…i think in the NBA, every player needs at least 2 years of college instruction before heading to the pros…but that’s another topic (sorry…(!))….
hockey can be more profitable…it has many, many opportunities to become the bonafide fourth most popular north american sport…and has tremendous opportunities to develop European and other world markets…
most of the owners who have claimed losses in the NHL have done negative things, either internally or via external failed investments, to cause the losses they have incurred…
but the biggest loss of profitability comes from overpaying for talent…that’s why all of the league’s current and future proposals have significant changes to the salary structure of entry-level and second and third-term contracts…they want a fail safe solution to their overpaying…and they want the players to be responsible for all past and future mistakes made by them….
i don’t think that’s fair in any industry…but it happens in all industries…the NHL is seemingly no different….
variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 7:27 pm
@goldielocks,
the tv deal is actually 10 years/$2 billion, making it $200 mil per…sorry about the error…(!)
goldielocks Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:00 pm
@variable,
How many national telvision deals NFL has? That’s my point. If NHL can draw more interest from other national TV or even local, revenue will jump up. I think to achieve that goal NHL need the teams all over the country thus keeping Yotes in Arizona or even expand may be the answer. That’s their southern strategy.
I think players have every right to protect their existing contracts but they should stop counting on growing revenue to get more.
CB14 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 5:43 pm
@variable, First of all, thanks for ending your post with a great song from the greatest band ever, IMO.
Now with regards to the entry level contracts and amount of time until players reach free agency, I don’t necessarily disagree with the NHL on those issues. I’m not 100% certain of what’s exactly in the owners proposal, but to me making players wait longer until they get paid the big bucks makes sense. Why not make the younger players prove their worth instead of paying them for their potential? IF the split is 50-50, the players are going to get 50% of HRR regardless of the fact that the younger players don’t make the kind of dough they currently make. It means the veteran players will make more money than the younger players do.
The NHL’s plan to pay the players their current contracts in full is a bunch of BS. There’s no way the PA should agree to that deal. It essentially brings the HRR down to 47% for next year, and 49% for the 13-14 season.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 6:09 pm
@CB14,
i think, in theory, yes – a player should be paid when they are at their peak performance/prime of their career…but that fluctuates from player to player…some players bottom out after a few seasons…others endure, continue their careers and are productive…
so it’s really impossible to predict what players will peak and when they will do so or if they are just grinders and/or depth/AHL players…this design forces teams to make quicker, earlier decisions on players…i agree that the latest NHL proposal addresses paying out too much upfront money to unproven players…but is shortsighted on it’s long-term implications for top talent and their earning potential…
if i’m a goalie or a defensemen, i would hate this type of salary structure, because they are the ones that tend to blossom later on in their careers…they may never see and/or earn what they are truly worth…how is that fair…?
however, it’s important to denote that when a player becomes a free agent or becomes eligible for a new contract, if their performance dictates a significant raise, they will be unable to match what other top players are earning or get fair market value solely because they haven’t been in the league long enough…that’s where it becomes a complicated negotiating issue for the player, their agent and the GM (to a lesser extent)…
if a player, let’s say someone of the caliber of crosby or ovie comes into the league, they can instantly become the face of the league and/or the league’s most talented player..in that player’s first 8 years of service, they won’t be able to make any more than $5 mil/per…that’s not chump change, but it’s not top player money…and that’s the problem i have with this proposal…
you cannot penalize teams for selecting good players and drafting well…sure, there should be cap floors and limits…from what i understand the projected cap floor as of right now is $59 mil and the project cap ceiling is near $72 mil…
if you take anze kopitar’s contract, for example, under the new NHL proposal, he would not be able to make more than $5mil/per during his first 8 years…my point is that the owners are trying to police themselves by limiting a player’s earnings potential throughout the bulk of their early careers….and most players reach their peak at 27-32…by starting UFA’s at 28/8, you are taking away at least a year of earnings potential…and then that amount is used to base future contracts for that player and others of similar composition…
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
@variable, I’m not saying the NHLPA should sign the NHL most recent offer, but it likely would have been more diplomatic if they brought the NHL proposal with items circled and with their proposed changes. From that point each side could argue for the points that they needed most and maybe compromise on a new deal. Instead of bringing in 3 reworked proposals from the NHLPAs initial offer. Just saying some times you have to play to the EGO to get a deal done. I Fehr there may not be a season now.
variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 6:46 pm
@luc20rules,
well, i don’t think once you feed the egoism on display by bettman and company that it will bring them closer to a deal…
i do agree that the NHLPA should have been more prepared with counter-proposals that highlighted (circled) what clauses are contentious ones to them…
i also FEHR (nice pun, btw…) that the season will either be cancelled or significantly shortened to 50 or so games…but if it’s for the great of a good cause, i’m all in and for the players and Fehr to stand firm on their principles and convictions…
another thing…:
best case scenario – a deal is done by the weekend…
that would mean at least 2-3 weeks of preparation before any season starts, leaving us somewhere in the middle of november…i don’t see how you can get in 82 games by then…
i’ve said it many times before – the Winter Classic is something that the NHL does not want to miss out on and cancel…i believe that a deal MUST get done by the first week of december if any hockey, including the Winter Classic, gets played this season…
i think if you get below 50 games, a season is a lot less inviting to me…
CB14 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 10:02 pm
@variable, You make some good points. It’s tough to have one set of rules pertain to all different types of players. Guys like Crosby and Ovechkin come into the league and are immediately deserving to paid like the top players that they are, while guys like Stastny come into the league and appear to be worth top money, yet then their play declines to the point where they’re not worth their current paycheck.
Where does it say that a player in their second contract can only make 5 million per year? I’m not doubting you that it says that, I just hadn’t seen it anywhere.
Regarding the Winter Classic, I agree with your assesment. I mentioned higher on this page about how the NHL’s current lockout mirrors the one the NBA had last year to a T. The NBA’s Winter Classic is it’s Christmas Day games that routinely draw their highest ratings on the year, and that’s what prompted the two sides to come to a deal. I get the feeling the if these current negotiations don’t continue, the lockout will come to a close in time to save the Winter Classic.
Stuart Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 8:56 pm
@CB14, speaking of Led Zep, I was lucky enough to catch that docu-concert last night: simply a-FN-mazing!!!
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CB14 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
@Stuart, That’s awesome! I missed it, but i’m sure as hell gonna buy it when it comes out on DVD.
Neil Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 9:14 am
@Stuart, what will happen next…Hockey or a Zep reunion???
Just finished Bob’s old book (Tales from the LA Kings) it was great to read about his career and experiences. I bet a new book is brewing (Tales from the STANLEY CUP WINNING LA Kings)
[Reply]
So if what I’m hearing about this third proposal that was made is true, it really doesn’t surprise me that the owners were pissed off. Sounds like the players wanted to chop off a percentage of revenue for existing player contracts, call the rest HRR and go 50/50 on that. Then they could tell everyone they were on board the 50/50 train when, in reality… not quite. My stance has always been: as long as there’s no hockey, you both suck, so don’t give me this PR bs. This has all been PR bs. And today’s PR move from the players backfired in a huge way, because in all honesty, it was dumb and poorly planned. I’d rather you come out and say, we’re not ready to give 50/50, than explode all over twitter saying that’s exactly what you offered and THEY shot it down, when it’s not really what you offered at all. The league has done a lot of shady stuff during these negotiations, but this was shady from the players.
I really just hate both sides and am getting so tired of this chess match.
/rant
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Go Reign – a great place for Kings fans to gather, enjoy some hockey, the camaraderie of other Kings fans, nachos and all without giving Buttman or the NHL a single dime.
[Reply]
luc20rules Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:41 pm
@DesertKing, Good plan, as you know I was there last Saturday and the Nachos were delicious. I think they use better chips then Staples. You are the nacho expert so I will defer to your opinion.
[Reply]
Until the players realize that they are not going to get more then 50 50..then this will go on.If I was a owner…50 50 would be the highest I go..Dont care about the past.Now for the players…stop with proposals…Agree on the 50 50 but work out the other issues….working from the offer from the owners.The owners are your bosses. Thats the problem…the players keep coming up with proposals instead of working within the framwork of the owners offer.
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
@Neil,
it’s not that simple…Fehr is looking out for now and the future – after 2017/2018…based upon growth estimates and player earning potential proposed by the NHL, nothing has been close to 50/50…it’s a sham…
i’m not sure how legit the three offers tendered by the NHLPA are in achieving a equitable split/compromise…
however, the NHL has been by far the most distant and defiant of the two groups…it’s getting harder and harder that they are negotiating in good faith…
and you can’t forget about the past – in this case – because it’s too fresh in our minds and history…Fehr might be wrong in trying to play a PR game with the league at this point…but it’s kind of hard not to be playing defense when the other side (NHL) seems to be the ones leading the charge towards waiting it out and not speaking the same language as the NHLPA…
we are almost at the point of an impasse, which would demand some type of intervention/objective moderation by an outside third party….
[Reply]
Gustavo Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 10:51 am
@variable,
Unfortunately, your postings have been so belligerent and anti-owners that it’s hard to separate information and fact from the pro union spin and speculation you add to everything you tell us. It makes me miss Rich’s factual neutrality so much more.
When I see Fehr, the media and fans spouting off on what the owners are trying to “take away from the players” it automatically causes me to take the NHL side. The irrefutable fact is there is NOTHING today in place (other than some pending escrow payments from the past) the players can call current salaries or contract provisions.
The CBA expired. Kaput. Finito. Nada. Dead. Gone. The contracts the players have signed are not going to be paid, unless there is a NEW CBA in place, correct? So all this claims about how much the players are going to lose if they accept the owners proposals is nothing but a smoke screen.
If my employment or work contract with one company expired months ago, I cannot go to the same or new company and tell them they cannot pay me less than my CURRENT contract because I do not have one in place. I cannot claim the new contract offer makes me lose money because it is not a modification of my current contract. I have no current contract.
Fher, and everyone who supports the players side, keep drumming on a comparison to a contract that no longer exists. Lambert of yahoo sports, for instance, does that in the most neglectful way possible. The players do not have 57% of HRR today, like he claims in his latest article. The contract that grew revenues to build that 57% is dead.
So any contract offer, however better or worse than the previous expired contract may be, is an offer from ZERO, not a modification of an existing agreement.
As much as I dislike Bettman, Daly and the entire Board of Governors, the posturing and misinformation Fehr is spouting off is much more deceiving and misleading.
The players should know they’re going to get a significant haircut from the previous contract that made them so well paid. Over $500,000 per season for the worst player in the league?…Come on!
The longer it goes, the worst off the players will be in my opinion. It’s the owners lockout, it is also their league and their checkbooks. I see a much higher chance of the NHL using replacement players to rebuild the league and crack the union ranks than the players using their own money to form a new league with new owners.
We’ll see how it plays out.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 11:25 am
@Gustavo,
I don’t understand the fascination with acting like the last CBA didn’t exist. The FACT is both sides refer to it regularly. It is a very important reference point for BOTH sides. For either side to use it as a way to make arguments for current proposals is perfectly fine. Neither side is trying to fool the public into thinking the last CBA is still valid as a whole. However, if I understand it correctly, the owners have the power to reinstate the current CBA as a provisional agreement until a new one is met. Also, I believe there are contracts that will be paid, based on the old CBA, regardless if there is another one or not. In other words, the expired CBA is hardly Kaput. Finito. Nada. Dead. Gone.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 11:31 am
@Gustavo,
And as far as your remark about Rich’s ‘neutrality’ (and variable’s supposed lack of it), I think it’s a low blow and totally uncalled for. Commenters are here to express their opinion. To put some kind of ‘neutrality standard’ on variable is ridiculous.
variable Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 11:44 am
@Gustavo,
everything i’ve commented on is based upon fact – from tsn, from espn, from the hockey news, etc…
i am not a reporter on this site – i’m just like you – a fan…however, i do like to mix commentary in regards to newsworthy events…
the percentages and clauses in the NHL’s last proposal i just reiterated…those clauses are not speculative…
what is speculative is what HRR consists of…along with other nuances here and there…
when one side is clearly not negotiating in good faith, it’s hard not to call a black horse black…
i think you probably should put everybody’s contribution here in perspective – this blog is a platform to share ideas, opinions and info amongst its community…
otherwise, i stand by what i’ve been saying…you might not agree with it…and that’s totally cool…but in no way, shape or form am i providing “disinformation”…nor am i being belligerent or anti-owners overall…
however, in this dispute, there’s no question that the owners are driving the lockout and are making the negotiation process as difficult as possible…you cannot completely forget about the last CBA simply because it’s being currently used as a model for upgrade and improvements (?) during the renewal process…
again…the owners’ own this lockout…i just believe that the players gave up a tremendous amount of earnings the last time and the NHL called it “a fair deal” then…now, the owners want even more, leaving the players limited in their earning potential during the first 8 years…i just think that they (the owners) will end up paying more to players at the end of their careers and into retirement AND still have it go against the cap…
in other words, they’re just shuffling the deck and choosing to owe more money to a player later on than upfront…i’m fine with that – IF IT WORKS…however, i don’t believe it will and the GM’s and owners will still want more concessions as the talks linger on…
i don’t like the 28/8 proposal…
i don’t like the escrow system at all…it’s mafioso like…
and i don’t like the one-sided arrogance coming from bettman and company…
i think it was our ol’ “friend” shane doan who said this yesterday…:
““When people ask for money, they usually say, ‘Give me your money or I’m going to hurt you,’ ” said Doan. “They don’t say, ‘Give me your money and I’m going to hurt you.’ That’s a point I’m kind of joking about, but that’s where we’re at.”
and i agree with him and the other players, like crosby, who have spoken up and are trying to fight for a good cause – a players’ future earning potential and free agent rights…
so, we just agree to disagree…
no harm…no foul…:)
CB14 Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 10:14 pm
@Neil, The owners aren’t their bosses. They’re partners in this whole thing, thus the players salaries being directly tied to the leagues revenues.
[Reply]
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 8:37 am
@Neil, They do agree on the 50/50. They don’t agree on what the 50/50 means. And that’s all the difference in the world.
[Reply]
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
@Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com),
Isn’t 50/50 that tasty ice cream bar on a stick with orange around a vanilla center? Yummy! Yeah, I like THAT kinda 50/50!
[Reply]
variable Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
@Kingsfanone,
the ice cream truck comes around 4pm here…want one…?
Kingsfanone Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
@variable,
Yes please!
variable Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
@Kingsfanone,
you got it…i hope it doesn’t melt…or get eaten before you get it…come to highland park…and it’s yrs…:)
and here’s more troubling news…
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=407598
please…someone’s god…make it stop…(!)
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Stuart Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
@variable, just proof that the owners’ are as stupid as they are ugly… a false sense of entitlement.
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luc20rules Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:37 pm
@variable, An article to bring some in off the ledge.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/19852/cba-talks-not-as-dire-as-they-look
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DesertKing Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 7:32 am
@luc20rules,
Maybe the owners realized that if it was determined in court that they negotiated long term high dollar contracts with the insider knowledge that they would be reduced by the new CBA, then they might ne looking at some type of criminal or civil sanctions.
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luc20rules Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
@DesertKing, That is something to consider, but the fact is Minn. Owner just signed 2 98 mil/12yr contracts this summer and he is on the small commitee of 5 owners that shot down all the NHLPA offers that tried to keep current contract whole. IMHO this guy should not be on this committee since he has a huge vested interest in imposing rollbacks whether its delayed by one year or not.
Paul Armbruster (KingsNewsDaily.com) Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 8:34 am
@luc20rules, LeBrun gets it.
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variable Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
@luc20rules,
lebrun is a top-notch reporter…and he makes a lot of sense….
however, he’s just more optimistic than i am…
i think there’s a long way to go…but lebrun got it right, overall…he just has a lot more hope than me (at this point) that the lockout will end sooner than later…
i hope he’s right…(!)
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Gustavo Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 9:45 am
@variable,
Katz better get off his high horse. His only trump card is the relocation threat. Something neither the Board of Governors, nor Bettman will go for since Edmonton is one of the most profitable hockey markets in the league. All he’s doing is alienating his fan base.
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variable Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
@Gustavo,
i don’t know what he’s doing…i don’t know what the city/province is thinking…but it’s not working for the fans in edmonton…
i cannot believe that there’s a possibility that edmonton won’t have a hockey team in the foreseeable future…UNREAL…(!)
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luc20rules Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
@Gustavo, “All he’s doing is alienating his fan base.” Isn’t that what the owners and NHLPA are doing anyway. My guess is if there was anytime to pull this nonsense it was now. He can latter say he was putting his time/energy into ending the lockout whether its true or not.
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Gustavo Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 10:03 pm
@luc20rules,
Two entirely unrelated issues. One is local to Edmonton, the other covers the entire league and two countries. I’d not dare compare them. Katz is making the wrong moves for his franchise.
On a positive note, my Championship Book arrived today and just watched the Game 6 call by Bob and Jim. What a rush!!! I won’t mind watching that over and over until these guys can figure out a deal.
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Lake Forest Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
@Noah, Is that DVD only game 6?
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Noah Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:47 pm
@Lake Forest, Yes. It has the full game 6 call with Bob and Jim, as well as Nick and Daryl. Special features show both sets of broadcasters in the booth calling the Kings goals and the last few minutes of the game. Has the presentation of the Conn Smythe trophy and the Stanley Cup! It’s awesome!
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Gustavo Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 9:59 pm
@Noah,
Same here….watching Jim Fox with tears in his eyes as the clock ticked down the last few seconds said it all. What a run!
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Noah Reply:
October 18th, 2012 at 10:06 pm
@Gustavo, Seeing Jim Fox tear up was one of the best parts for sure! I love how Nick just takes time after the final call to soak it all in…priceless
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Shakes Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 8:10 am
@Gustavo,
i haven’t watch the Nick and Daryl view yet, but yeah, Foxy crying stole it for me. It made me think about how Foxy also cried during the parade when he was answering a questions about being able to see little kids in schools and finally being able to tell them that the Kings had in fact won a Cup.
That was just awesome
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Pasadena Hockey Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 10:22 am
@Shakes, I really hope Fox Sports continues to show re-runs of the early playoff games.
variable Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
@Noah,
yaaaay, NEIL…:)
enjoy…
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I got my Game 6 DVD copy of Jim and Bob’s call. Look forward to watching it soon. From the looks of it June 11, 2011 might be the last time the NHL has any hockey games for awhile. It does not look good now that there would be any NHL games for the 2012-2013 NHL regular season. Thanks to the NHLPA counterproposal to the NHL proposal the league will soon announce cancellation of games.
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Cesar A Reply:
October 19th, 2012 at 12:11 pm
@Cesar A, Correction in my date. I meant June 11,2012.
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Dear Bob,
I’ve been a Kings’ fan since 1970 when I was 10 years old. I listened to you when a little later you came on board–remember, most games were on radio back then and it was special to get a TV game (about 15 or so a year). I would visualize the game by your description (you even told us which direction the Kings were skating). I got to go to a few games each year with my friend’s family (prices were low and we got to go right up to the ice and reach over the boards to get autographs, including from Whitey Widing. We long-time fans went thru a lot of exciting times, including 1974-75 with the most points, Bob Berry’s teams, the Triple Crown line, the 1981 All-Star Game (which I attended), the Miracle on Manchester, Dave Taylor always, Jimmy Carson, Luuuc Robitaille (truly a King), more and more games telecast, Wayne Gretzky’s arrival, Bernie Nicholls, the 1993 not-quite Stanley Cup run, 2001 playoff comeback against Detroit, and the coming together of this year’s team to steamroll thru the playoffs and win the STANLEY CUP!
Thanks,
King John
P.S. I even chatted with you years ago at a Target store nearby your house.
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