NEW YORK – Sean Avery met with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman today to discuss his indefinite suspension from the league but no decision was made by the league.

This league allows players to stand toe-to-toe and beat the living shit out of each other, breaking noses, gashing cheeks then ‘disciplines them’ by letting them take a five minute break and sip water in an air-conditioned box.

Then they have the audacity to hit a guy in the pocketbook by suspending him for suggesting his ex-girlfriends are a little bit on the slutty side.

Avery, known for his peskiness on the ice and his trail of controversy off it, was suspended after making a crude remark regarding two ex-girlfriends of his who are dating other hockey players and how those players were visiting places he had already been.

Avery first confirmed the camera was on then said, “I’m just going to say one thing. I’m really happy to be back in Calgary, I love Canada. I just wanted 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, but enjoy the game tonight.”

Avery can be a crude mutha’ for sure but the bottom line is, he did not break any rules.

Any other league would have just shook their heads and let the media roll with it then reap the rewards of the publicity. The chicken-shit Bettman did the opposite and was quick to apologize and discipline.

The NHL needs a few guys like Avery, but the problem is, their idiot commissioner and marketing department doesn’t realize it.

The only time we see the league in the news is when a player is hit with assault charges for attacking someone on the ice or when Avery decides to make headlines. Like he did during last year’s playoffs with his altercation with Martin Brodeur, or when he finds the right time to flip off a camera or verbally battle hockey fans surrounding the penalty boxes around the league.

Look at the NFL and its “bad guys”. I am not condoning guns in clubs and brawls in stalls but if and when these incidents happen, it’s a headache, they deal with it then capitalize on the frenzy of attention and publicity–the NHL does not.

The onslaught of media attention following Plaxico Burress’ gun incident and the six drug test suspensions are great examples of how the old saying “Any publicity is good publicity” holds true.

The NFL Super Bowl has a price tag of $3 million dollars per 30 second commercial spot in 2009.

The dismally-rated NHL was beat out in the ratings by Sponge Bob during the playoffs last spring so you have to wonder how hard Bettman really should come down on Avery.

Truth is, Bettman should kiss Avery’s ass and thank him for reminding ESPN that hockey exists.

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