NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is a slam-dunk for our Bitch Slap of the Week. Bettman showed his and the NHL’s true colors when the league tried to muscle John Scott, not only out of the All-Star game, but out of the

NHL. And Gary and his cronies learned, he can’t outmuscle an enforcer!

After Scott was voted in as a starter by fans during a social media joke that went viral, the Phoenix Coyotes suddenly traded their enforcer Scott to Montreal , who then conveniently sent him down to their minor league affiliate in the AHL. . . a move that appeared to make Scott ineligible to play in the All-Star Game.

Scott, who barely knows what a red light looks like, went to the internet to share the request and comments that came down from the NHL leaders during the ordeal.

The league’s alleged conspiring tactics set off a bigger frenzy and fans buried Bettman . . . prompting the much hated commish to announce that Scott is more than welcome to participate in the league’s event.

So Gary took to the podium to share his thoughts and comment on behalf of his league regarding Scott and his All-Star appearance.

“He’s more than welcome to be here. We’re happy he’s here. The fans spoke, and we’re happy to reflect their will” – Gary Bettman

Seriously?

You’re glad he’s there? And you’re happy to reflect the fans’ will? You have the audacity to say those words after your league makes moves trying to make Scott ineligible to play in the game . . . and sending the father of two (soon to be four) to the minors and possibly burying his career?

Some people should leave the lying to the politicians.

Scott was considering bowing out but said the clincher of this whole matter happened when an NHL representative asked him whether or not his children would be proud of his all-star appearance.

“So when someone from the NHL calls me and says, ‘Do you think this is something your kids would be proud of?’ That’s when they lost me. Because, while I may not deserve to be an NHL all-star, I know I deserve to be the judge of what my kids will and won’t be proud of me for.”

BTW, Scott made the most out of his All-Star Game appearance by scoring two goals and being named the game’s MVP. Now that’s a classic wind-up, backhanded bitch slap to Bettman!