Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 3, 1993 TAG: 9309030012
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Medium
\ The NHL absolved the Ottawa Senators on Thursday of deliberately losing any games during the 1992-93 season, but fined the team $100,000 for comments made by a former club official and the team's failure to notify the league of the allegations.
The league's inquiry into the situation was prompted by published reports that Bruce Firestone, former chairman and co-owner of the Senators, had offered inducements to players to lose their final game against the Boston Bruins so Ottawa would get the first pick in the June 26 entry draft.
The Bruins beat the Senators 4-2 on April 14 and Ottawa finished 10-70-4. The Senators, who had the same number of points, but one fewer victory than the San Jose Sharks, chose highly coveted forward Alexandre Daigle with the top pick.
After the draft, at a party in Quebec City, Firestone allegedly told reporters that he promised four players preferential treatment if they secured the top pick.
Firestone said he never spoke of throwing games. He did admit to having "a few beers" and that he may have made "intemperate" remarks. The reporters stood by their stories.
Although there was some dispute as to exactly what Firestone said, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman found, and Firestone has acknowledged, that inappropriate comments were made regarding the club's performance last season.
Firestone has since sold his interest in the club and resigned from his position for unrelated reasons.
"The inquiry found that the players and coaches of the Senators put forth a full effort in every game and were committed to winning as many games as possible, irrespective of how that affected the club's draft rights," the league announced.
Keywords:
HOCKEY
by CNB