Blackhawks Owner Bill Wirtz "fired off an open letter
to the media" yesterday, chastising USA Hockey Exec Dir
David Ogrean, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, USA Hockey
President Walter Bush, NHLPA Exec Dir Bob Goodenow and USOC
President Bill Hybl, for "having taken to the 'airwaves' to
criticize members" of the men's olympic hockey team,
according to Rich Strom of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Wirtz: "I
know each and every member of Team USA. These young men are
not only a credit to the NHL, but also to their country."
Wirtz wrote that it "was only natural" that the players
would "stick together" regarding their behavior and actions
in Nagano, adding, "I would not respect them if they did
not." More Wirtz: "It seems all you gentlemen are great
fans of Jonathan Swift in that you use exaggeration for
effect. ... This incident is not a Black Sox scandal, but
merely a group of dedicated NHL players disgusted in
themselves." He added that the "entire incident has been
blown completely out of proportion," and told the officials,
"Please take the ball bearings out of your hands and let's
get on with our work. You do not have the power to grant
partial immunity or haul these players in front of a grand
jury, and you do not have the right to invade 'their
dressing room'" (Rich Strom, CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/13).
SANDERMAN ECHOES SENTIMENT: Bob Sanderman, MLS Rapids
President and a member of the NHL's Board of Governors from
the Kings, also said that Team USA's Olympic experience
should "die a natural death." Sanderman: "I'd like to see
an apology and payment for damages, but I really think it's
time to call it a day" (Irv Moss, DENVER POST, 3/13).
