Stars LW Avery suspended indefinitely

Dec 3, 2008 - 12:58 AM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Dallas Stars left wing Sean Avery on Tuesday was suspended indefinitely pending a hearing with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for conduct "detrimental to the league or game of hockey."

Perhaps the most hated man in hockey, Avery was suspended for making disparaging comments about ex-girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert. The Canadian-born actress best known for her role on the hit Fox show "24" currently is dating Calgary Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf.

Avery, whose team is in Calgary to play the Flames on Tuesday night, made the comments this morning.

"I'm really happy to be back in Calgary, happy to be back in Canada, and I just want to comment that it's become a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds," Avery said. "I don't know what that's about, but enjoy the game."

The date for Avery's hearing has yet to be scheduled. Stars owner Tom Hicks, however, was in agreement with the league's action against the outspoken player.

"I completely support the league's decision to suspend Sean Avery," Hicks said. "Had the league not have suspended him, the Dallas Stars would have.

"This organization will not tolerate such behavior, especially from a member of our hockey team. We hold our team to a higher standard and will continue to do so."

Dallas coach Dave Tippett was in agreement with his team's owner.

"The words and disrespect for an opponent like that are something that... I mean, there is lots of trash-talking that goes on on the ice and stuff, but this is..." Tippett said. "To announce something like that for everyone to hear, to me that crosses the line. ... Obviously, the league - and the team - felt that, too."

Avery, who signed a four-year, $15 million deal with Dallas this past summer, has recorded three goals and seven assists in 23 games this season.