If you are a sports fan, or have inexplicably tuned in to ESPN over the past week, you likely know the bizarre tale of Sean Avery.  Avery, a hockey player in the NHL for the Dallas Stars, made some disparaging comments directed at a member of the Calgary Flames, and they involved Avery's ex-girlfriend.  Avery's ex-girlfriend in question, it turns out, is none other than Elisha Cuthbert, who is best known for her work as Kim Bauer on 24.  Avery, a known troublemaker, who has led the NHL in penalty minutes on multiple occasions, interrupted an interview before a game with the Calgary Flames. 

He first asked if there was a camera present and, when informed there was, said this, "I'm just going to say one thing. I'm really happy to be back in Calgary; I love Canada.  I just want 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." After saying his piece, he abruptly walked out.  Avery was referring to Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf, who is currently dating Elisha Cuthbert.  In the past week, the story has exploded.

While Elisha Cuthbert is really only tangentially related to this story, it can't be fun to be called anyone's sloppy seconds.  But, some background needs to be given.  Sean Avery is a wild man, and has become known for his abrasive and outlandish behavior.  In April of 2008, in the NHL's offseason, Avery took an internship at Vogue Magazine, and Avery has often stated his interest in fashion.  He has dated not only Elisha Cuthbert, but model Rachel Hunter as well (who currently dates another NHL player – Los Angeles Kings center Jarrett Stoll).  He was on People's 2007 list of the Sexiest Men Alive.  His “double-life” as a fashion icon and hockey player has prompted New Line Cinema to commission a screenplay based on Avery's life.  As for his hockey prowess, the left winger has been a known “agitator” on the rink.  In a playoff game last April, Avery, during a two-man advantage, skated mere feet in front of opposing goalie Martin Brodeur and waved his arms and stick in his face in an attempt to block his view.  While not technically illegal, analysts and fans viewed this as awful sportsmanship.  After the incident, the NHL instituted the “Sean Avery Rule,” which now disallows such behavior. 

As might be obvious, Avery has few fans in the NHL's upper management.  While a passive observer might have found Avery's “sloppy seconds” comment to be innocuous, if not in bad taste, the NHL deemed it a far worse offense.  Commissioner Gary Bettman suspended Avery indefinitely after the comments, and this morning laid down his official ruling – a six game suspension. 

There are a couple of things worth noting.  The NHL famously took  a nose dive in popularity following an especially crippling lockout that effectively canceled the 2004-2005 NHL season.  Since the NHL returned, the league has struggled mightily to regain its place in the sports world.  While Avery may have been out of line, it at least brought interest back to the sport.  While Bettman might be right in thinking that Avery is bringing the wrong kind of visibility to the sport, as the old adage goes – all publicity is good publicity. 

Furthermore, is it the right of a sporting organization to suspend a person for speaking his mind?  Avery slandered no one, did nothing illegal.  At worst, he can be accused of bad taste.  At best, Avery was candid and funny.  Sports is rife with smack-talking, on and off the record.  When I first read the comments, I found the whole thing quite funny.  “Sloppy seconds,” simply, is a humorous phrase.  For the first time in, well, ever, I found myself interested in the NHL.  To herald Avery's actions as basely reprehensible is both an overreaction and clearly a referendum on how the NHL powers-that-be feel about the man personally. 

Which, in a round-about way, brings us back to Elisha Cuthbert.  Cuthbert, a Canadian, has not been shy declaring her affinity for hockey players.  She's a massive hockey fan and, as the most high-profile Hollywood actress that takes an interest in hockey, in addition to being the fetching minx that she is, has the proverbial pick of the litter when it comes to professional hockey players.  Good for her, I say.  She has yet to comment publicly on the situation.  Given how much it's been blown out of proportion, she neither has to nor should feel the need to.  Cuthbert will be reprising her role of Kim Bauer on the upcoming seventh season of 24, which returns to FOX in January.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
Source: TVGuide, ESPN, Wikipedia
(Image Courtesy of Idris-C.com)