Stern, Goodell, Selig Have NHL's Back

While the National Hockey League continues to fight for what they feel is right for the Phoenix Coyotes, it appears they have some friends in high places.

Commissioner Gary Bettman isn't going into this fight alone. Filings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Monday included statements from the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball.

The leagues all are in support of the NHL's effort to stonewall the latest Jim Balsillie attempt to place a team in Hamilton.

All three statements ask the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to "respect the National Hockey League's rules and procedures regarding ownership transfer and relocation."

The statements of baseball and the NBA ask that the court "not set precedent that could severely disrupt the business of professional hockey," baseball, basketball and other major league sports.

The NFL statement had similar wording, asking the court to avoid a "precedent that has the potential to undermine or disrupt the business of professional hockey, football or other major league sports."

It's probably about more than David Stern being afraid of Balsillie, though it does benefit all major sports leagues to avoid a bad precedent being set by Balsillie.

According to the Globe and Mail, the NHL also had more to say on the matter Monday.

In court documents, the NHL says the (Jerry) Moyes group knew Bettman had taken control of the club but "they simply ignored it in a misguided and dishonest effort to execute Balsillie's bankruptcy scheme."

NHL officials say the bankruptcy filing is an attempt by Balsillie to circumvent the league's franchise sale and relocation process.

The league's case centers on a document containing "unconditional proxies" signed by Moyes on Nov. 14, 2008.

"From that point forward, I was completely responsible for control of the ownership interest in and all rights to manage the club and arena management," Bettman said in his declaration.

In the end, it's up to the bankruptcy court whether Balsillie and Moyes negotiated a valid sale of the Phoenix franchise. From the looks of things, it's going to be difficult to beat the NHL, but if the determination is made that Moyes' interpretation of events is more accurate, the league could end up with egg on its face.