League Fines Avery for His Comments After First Fine

NASHVILLE — Sean Avery’s comments about being fined for diving cost him an additional $1,000 on Tuesday, when the NHL handed down a second fine.

Avery had chafed at being fined $1,000 for diving during a game against Phoenix Nov. 3. The play came in the second period, though Avery was not called for diving on the play.

“How can a guy sitting in an office in New York determine if you dived or not by watching a tape?” Avery said Monday. He also said he felt that the fine was not about diving, but “a way to do something to me.”

Colin Campbell, NHL director of operations, reacted quickly, levying the fine and issuing a statement.

“Mr. Avery has besmirched the reputation of all NHL players, coaches, general managers and owners who, collectively, have been successful in providing a more entertaining game for our fans,” Campbell said.

Avery’s fine on Tuesday was for making comments “prejudicial to the welfare of the league or the game of hockey or of a member club.”

He received the maximum fine under that bylaw.

Campbell also said, “Mr. Avery’s comments showed a complete lack of respect for all those associated with our game, most importantly his fellow players,” who “worked hard to make rule changes for the betterment of the game.”

Said Avery: “I got to do what the bosses say and keep my mouth shut. It’s their league and they call the shots. They know best. Hopefully they will give that $2,000 to a needy family for Christmas.”