President Obama again comments on the NHL lockout

You might recall at the end of October when President Obama commented on the NHL lockout during an interview with Jay Leno. His statement was simple: The two sides only make money because of fan support. The two sides should be able to "figure this out". 

Now, almost two months later, Obama is again offering his opinion on the NHL lockout. Spoiler alert: He still blames both sides. 

Regardless of which party you align yourself with politically, as a hockey fan reading this article it's impossible not to agree with President Obama (unless you're Tim Thomas). In an interview with WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, Obama again commented on the NHL lockout. 

The President's quote below is courtesy of CBC.ca

"My message to owners and to players is, 'You guys make a lot of money and you make a lot of money on the backs of fans, so do right by your fans. You can figure out how to spread out a bunch of revenue that you're bringing in, but do right by the people who support you,"' Obama said. "And I shouldn't have to be involved in a dispute between really wealthy players and even wealthier owners. They should be able to settle this themselves. And remember who it is that's putting all that money in their pockets."

Well said, Mr. President. 

There really is no reason the NHL should require the President, or Government mediators to solve what really boils down to a rather simple issue. The aspect of dividing money and agreeing on various terms shouldn't be this difficult. The whole situation has been frustrating, and frankly embarrassing, for each and every hockey fan. 

Let's not forget about the countless victims of the current NHL lockout. As Obama correctly notes, the argument is between wealthy players and even wealthier owners. However, it's the little guy getting stepped on. The President specifically refers to the fans being mistreated but let's not forget the various team employees that have been laid off as well as the local establishments that are suffering due to the lack of hockey. 

It's nice to see Obama again talking hockey. It's unfortunate and embarrassing that it's only because the sport is still in a deadlock. 

*****

Our very own Laura Astorian also gave her view on Obama's comments. 

President Obama, presumably taking a break from fiscal cliff talks, weighed in on another important issue facing not one but two nations: the NHL's ongoing lockout. With no end in sight and a federal mediator involved, perhaps the president can empathize with the situation.

That's a pretty populist message from a populist president, but one that I'm sure Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, and every other sort of kind of fan can agree with. The league doesn't seem to be able to figure out how to market to their customers by giving them a product, which means this problem will end about the time Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell do dinner and a movie.

 

About David Rogers

Editor for The Comeback and Contributing Editor for Awful Announcing. Lover of hockey, soccer and all things pop culture.

Quantcast