December 2, 2008 :: 6:38pm ET
Real-Time Journal:
Avery sinks to new low
By David Pagnotta

[Toronto, ON] -- Should we even be surprised, anymore? Maybe we should expect this kind of crap coming from a guy like Sean Avery? Maybe it's just me, but I don't get it.

Sean Avery is a very unique individual. We all know that. His teammates (past and present) know it. The NHL knows it. The entire hockey community knows it. Usually, when he opens his mouth, we all shake out heads and try to forget it.

This time, however, Avery crossed the line. He probably even hurdled right over it.

Earlier today, during the Dallas Stars' morning skate in Calgary, Avery asked the members of the media for a quick moment. Apparently, he needed to get something off his chest. Speaking to those in attendance, everyone just figured he'd sound off on tonight's game.

"I am really happy to be back in Calgary, I love Canada," he said.

Aww, that's sweet.

"I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about. Enjoy the game tonight."

Whoa. Wait a minute. Where the $@%& did that come from?

Now, I hate to further promote the situation, as I know the various parties involved, but to clarify the situation... Avery used to date actress Elisha Cuthbert ("The Girl Next Door" and "24"). After the two split, she had a very small fling with another NHL player (who, out of respect, I don't care to mention). For some time now, she's been in a relationship with Flames superstar Dion Phaneuf.

I can understand Avery being ticked because someone else is dating his ex-girlfriend. But, this isn't how you deal with the situation. Especially, not when you're a professional athlete.

This is the type of thing you handle behind closed doors, on the ice, or away from the public. You don't use the cameras and broadcast your BS across the league.

And I'm not the only one who feels this way.

The NHL has suspended Avery indefinitely, pending a hearing with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, in accordance with the provisions of NHL By-Law 17 and Article 6 of the NHL Constitution for conduct "detrimental to the League or game of hockey."

"I completely support the league's decision to suspend Sean Avery," Stars owner Tom Hicks said in a statement. "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."

I can't get over how this guy hasn't learned his lesson yet. What good can come from spreading crap via the media? He could have easily saved it for the ice, if he really wanted to get under Phaneuf's skin.

There aren't too many people out there who respect Avery, and there aren't too many people wondering why that is.

Avery's opened a big can of worms here, and he deserves what's coming. The Stars will be sending him back to Dallas after tonight's game.

David Pagnotta is the Editor-in-Chief of The Fourth Period Magazine and covers the Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL for TheFourthPeriod.com. He is also a contributing writer for NBCSports.com and MSNBC.