The NHL Was Wrong to Suspend Sean Avery for 'Sloppy Seconds' Remark

I worked in hockey for six years, seeing another side of the guys so many cheer for, idolize, and have their kids take pictures with.

Trust me, parents: you don't want to know, but you can probably imagine what the real lives of professional athletes are like. It's everything you would imagine with single hockey players...just more beer-soaked and sex-charged.

So when I hear that such a well-liked young man as Sean Avery made some public comments that many think were fired at a famous ex, it doesn't really shock me. Apparently, the NHL thought differently.

Avery—a member of the Dallas Stars—had finished with the morning pre-game skate as the team prepared for their Tuesday night tilt with the Calgary Flames. Then, he unloaded these comments to the media that was waiting to get some quotes for their stories, blogs, and columns:

"I'm really happy to be back in Calgary, I love Canada," started Avery before smirking. "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."

'Sloppy seconds' apparently was referring to Elisha Cuthbert, the little blonde bombshell actress of 24 and The Girl Next Door fame. You could say that Cuthbert is the Alyssa Milano of hockey as she has been romantically-linked with several skaters, including Avery, Montreal's Mike Komisarek, and Dion Phaneuf who plays for...you guessed it...Calgary!

Avery's diatribe was also likely directed at LA Kings center Jarret Stoll, who is dating model and former Rod Stewart wife Rachel Hunter—a former girlfriend of Avery's. Fans may hate Avery, but the chicks sure dig him! Maybe it's his taste in purses and fashion, discussed in this much-talked about ESPN piece that ran this summer.

A tasteless remark? I'd say so, but not as bad as many national media members are attempting to make it. Keep in mind: these guys are hockey players, and while Avery has been known as quite outrageous and a lightning rod for hatred, at least he provides some spice to a league that still needs flavor.

Believe me, he isn't the only guy thinking this stuff, but probably the only guy publicly saying it. It doesn't make it right, but it is what it is.

Remember Avery's stick-waving goaltender antics in last year's playoffs or calling the Flames' Jarome Iginla boring? He's annoying, but so is Terrell Owens. Every sport needs an antagonist and Avery is definitely the NHL's. Never underestimate the value of having a good villain...it makes for great ink and sound bites. Just look at how much play this is getting.

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