We would have enormous concern about any betting on NHL games, but I can safely say there is no evidence brought to our attention in conversations with the prosecutors and the New Jersey police. There is no evidence the integrity of any NHL games was at stake. |
We'll wait until we hear for certain what their intentions are before we decide what the consequences will be. But I think it's safe to assume that, at a minimum, NHL clubs will no longer be willing to release players from contractual obligations to participate in the annual world championships. |
We're still working. We're making slow progress, but it's a long process. |
We've been able to deliver, to make fans feel closer. I can't even estimate how important [the fan-friendly measures] have been to our re-launch. |
While betting on football or other sports may be the pervasive issue, it in no way justifies poor judgment or otherwise alleged inappropriate conduct. We will take this issue very seriously and will monitor the proceedings closely. |
While the immediate 'rollback' of 24 percent offered by the union would materially improve league economics for the 2004-05 season, there is virtually nothing in the union's proposal that would prevent the dollars 'saved' from being redirected right back into the player compensation system, such that the league's overall financial losses would approach current levels in only a matter of a couple of years. |
While there are no future meetings scheduled, we have agreed to keep the lines of communication open. We have no intention of making any further announcement relating to collective bargaining or the status of the season at this time. |
You've got teams now that have to be broken up because of the financial reality of the situation. So the system they want to maintain does not foster team-building unless you're in a situation where you can afford to team-build. |