NHL suspends Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery for six games

by Mark Stepneski of Andrew's Stars Page

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman handed down his verdict on Stars forward Sean Avery Friday morning, suspending him six games.

“Mr. Avery has expressed remorse for his recent comments and has sought a professional anger management evaluation,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “I will require that he follow through with that process as a condition of his returning to the ice and that he complies with any and all recommendations.”

The suspension is retroactive to Tuesday’s game against Calgary, so Avery has already served two games. He will be eligible to return December 16 when the Stars host Phoenix. The six-game suspension will cost $124,999.99 in salary.

Avery was suspended for disparaging remarks made about Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf and his girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert, who used to date Avery.

“Mr. Avery has been warned repeatedly about his conduct and comments, which have too often been at odds with the manner in which his more than 700 fellow players conduct themselves,” Bettman said. “Playing in the National Hockey League is a privilege, requiring a high standard of personal behavior.”

Friday’s suspension followed a hearing involving Bettman, Avery and others Thursday in New York.