[Locke]

I dont get the issue here.

Bettman, and I actually like and respect Bettman, came to town to apply some pressure. It wasnt cute and it certainly wasnt subtle. It was actually kind of insulting not just to the City Council and/or Mayor, but in general.

Thanks Gary. We know they need a new arena. They know they need a new arena. Everyone knows they need a new arena. Thanks tips.

I thought Nenshi's response was perfectly fine. He doesnt need to cowtow to Bettman, the NHL or the Flames. The fact of the matter remains that Nenshi isnt the one being unreasonable and I think pretty much everyone knows it.

All hes basically said is: "Come to us with something real and we'll discuss it."

Thats all hes ever said.

And lets all admit it, the original CalgaryNEXT presentation was pretty pathetic and more or less not worth discussin and they havent used the interim time wisely.

So okay, Nenshi's response was snarkier and more sarcastic than absolutely necessary. So what? I'd have done the same. The implicit message of that sarcasm seems clear to me:

"Stop playing games."

Regarding his refusal to meet with Bettman, that seems totally reasonable. Hell, anyone would, or at least should, say the same thing.

"Do you have anything new to say? No? So maybe we should save each other's time and just skip it then."

And honestly, if the Flames want free money they should just go to Notley. The Flames can promise to Unionize the concession staff and she'll probably cut them a cheque on the spot with no questions asked, I doubt she'll be around long enough to suffer the consequences.