Stars' Avery Suspended for 'Sloppy Seconds' Comment

Owner Hicks supports decision

Updated 9:38 PM CST, Tue, Dec 2, 2008

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The National Hockey League suspended Dallas Stars' forward Sean Avery indefinitely Tuesday.

Commissioner Gary Bettman suspended Avery for conduct "detrimental to the League or game of hockey" after comments Avery made earlier in Calgary.

TSN reported Avery made disparaging remarks in reference to Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf and Phaneuf's girlfriend, actress Elisha Cuthbert, who previously dated Avery.

"I am really happy to be back in Calgary, I love Canada," Avery said on camera this morning in Calgary. "I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about. Enjoy the game tonight."

Cuthbert, of the television show "24" and the movie "Old School," had been romantically linked to Mike Komisarek of the Montreal Canadiens. Avery also dated Rachel Hunter, the former Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model and actress who is now the girlfriend of Los Angeles Kings center Jarrett Stoll.

Avery will have a hearing with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, but there is no date scheduled at this time.

Stars owner Tom Hicks released a statement late Tuesday in support of the suspension.

"I completely support the league's decision to suspend Sean Avery," said Dallas Stars owner Thomas O. Hicks. "Had the league not have suspended him, the Dallas Stars would have. This organization will not tolerate such behavior, especially from a member of our hockey team. We hold our team to a higher standard and will continue to do so."

Teammates were in the locker room when Avery spoke Tuesday, but didn't necessarily hear his interview. Told what he said, most were not surprised.

"We expect that out of him like we have all year," said goaltender Marty Turco, who was critical of Avery's agitation of Brodeur during the playoffs when it happened. "You know, the show continues."

Added forward Mike Ribeiro: "Nothing he says or does anymore shocks me. I think it's part of him."

Avery is a noted "pest," the kind of player who delights in doing or saying something to get under the skin of opponents and their fans. He's led the league in penalty minutes twice, and was doing so again going into Tuesday. He relishes being called the most hated player in the NHL.

His most infamous tactic came during last season's playoffs, while with the New York Rangers. Avery stood in front of New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur and blocked his view by waving his hand and stick in the goalie's face. The next day, the league put in the so-called "Avery Rule" to prohibit such shenanigans.

Dallas signed Avery to a $15.5 million, four-year deal in July, hoping his grittiness would help last season's Western Conference finalists. Instead, the injury-riddled Stars went into Tuesday night's game with only 20 points, fewest in the Western Conference and near the bottom of the NHL.