Warning: Story contains coarse language
Gary Bettman says he hasn't reached out to the Dallas Stars and doesn't plan to intervene in the team's front-office drama following Jim Lites' remarks last week.
"We’re never going to condone profanity," the NHL commissioner said during the Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. "As a general rule, I don’t interfere in internal team dynamics."
Bettman continued to be diplomatic when he elaborated on Lites' critical comments from Friday. The Stars CEO called the recent play of captain Jamie Benn and superstar center Tyler Seguin "fucking horseshit."
"I’ve known Jim Lites for as long as I’ve been in the NHL and I know him to be passionate," Bettman said. "I also respect the fact that Jamie and Tyler are terrific players and have done a great deal to grow the game in North America, particularly in Texas. … I think we saw some frustration there. That comes from the fact that people are very competitive and want to do better."
The NHLPA called Lites' remarks "reckless and insulting" in a statement on Sunday.
