The Bettman Stars'

He's known to be a nasty, stocky, short, player full of vitriol and one who plays his ass off. His primarily role is to piss people off when playing and get them off their game.

His name: Sean Avery, of the NHL.

His crime: Being a general asshat, pain in the ass.

But, it's really not a crime. There are things called "role players" and Avery has been playing his "role" in the NHL for years, and doing it successfully mind you.

In July 2008, the Dallas Stars hired Avery, signing him to a lucrative long-term deal (4 years, $15.5 million). Avery broke into the NHL in 1999, and by now his rep had been well-established.

13 days ago, he made the following comments before playing a game: "I am going to say one thing. I am really happy to be back in Calgary. I love Canada. I just want to comment on how, it has become a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I do not know what that is about, but enjoy the game."

For just SAYING these words, Avery was suspended and the Dallas Stars are looking to sever their deal with Avery.

Here's the thing: Avery is who he is. He's never changed. The Stars and Brett Hull were stupid to have signed him to such a long-term deal. Avery doesn't deserve any of the crap he has dealt with here. Avery might be an asshole, but he's still an American asshole that has every right to speak his mind.

With the NHL suspending him for uttering "sloppy seconds" is pathetic and sad. Get a grip commissioner Bettman. You have bigger fish to fry, like figuring out how your league is going to survive when the salary cap is going to be shrinking sometime soon. Grow up Bettman.