Avery's Crude Comment Nets 6-Game Suspension

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 5, 2008 1:24 PM CST

(Newser) – The NHL is taking Sean Avery out of commission for six games without pay following his lewd comments in Calgary this week, the New York Post reports. The ruling is retroactive and covers two games the Dallas Stars forward has already missed, but is also means he won’t play in a three-game homestand. Avery has also been ordered, and agreed to, seek anger management therapy.

“Playing in the National Hockey League is a privilege, requiring a high standard of personal behavior,” commissioner Gary Bettman told the league website. “Mr. Avery forfeits that privilege for six games.” Avery was suspended indefinitely after remarks Tuesday about a his ex-girlfriends Elisha Cuthbert and Rachel Hunter. The announcement comes after a 90-minute meeting with NHL brass yesterday.

[Images (5)]

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In this Nov. 5, 2007 file photo, New York Rangers' Sean Avery, right, fights with Philadelphia Flyers' Mike Richards. (AP Photo)

Avery on TRL. (AP Photo)

Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery leaves a meeting with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman yesterday. (AP Photo)

Dallas Stars co-general manager Brett Hull responds to questions yesterday. (AP Photo)

Glenn Healy, NHL Player's Association director of player affairs, responds to questions from the media after a meeting at NHL headquarters. (AP Photo)

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Avery's comments in Calgary. (LeCoolio92)

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