By LARRY BROOKS, KATI CORNELL and CLEMENTE LISI
June 20, 2008
The NHL wants to put Jim Dolan on ice.
The Cablevision boss could lose ownership of the Rangers after accusing league officials of violating antitrust laws in a federal lawsuit, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman warned yesterday.
The league filed papers in Manhattan federal court that included a letter from Bettman proposing disciplinary action against the Broadway Blues - calling for either the team's suspension or termination of Dolan's ownership.
Madison Square Garden, which also is owned by Cablevision, responded by accusing the league of employing "bullying tactics."
The power play began when Dolan sued the National Hockey League last year, saying the league engaged in "unlawful behavior" and violated antitrust laws by monopolizing control of the team's promotions, merchandise sales and Web site.
The NHL threatened to fine the Rangers $200,000 when the team launched its suit.
The league yesterday asked a federal judge to agree that MSG had breached its contract by challenging NHL rules and that the Rangers had violated a provision that bans owners from going to court to challenge the league's constitution or its league rules or procedures.
The league said such a breach can lead to disciplinary proceedings. If three-quarters of team owners vote in favor, the NHL can decide to issue a fine, suspend or terminate a team, order a sale of the club to a new owner or suspend individuals involved in the team's management.
MSG spokesman Barry Watkins said the league "is once again proving why an independent judge must address our claims. Despite trying to resolve our differences privately, the league has responded with excessive fines and now threats that have nothing to do with the merits of our position."
If the league strips Dolan of the franchise, it's unlikely the Rangers would continue to play at the World's Most Famous Arena.
A possible backup plan could be Brooklyn's Barclays Center, which is slated to open in 2009.
Developer Bruce Ratner would not comment on a possible move by the Rangers to his planned $950 million arena, which will house the New Jersey Nets.
On Wednesday, the league convened a meeting of all its teams - except the Rangers - in Ottawa, where Bettman tried to rally support for the threatened action.
Additional reporting by Rich Calder
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