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Red Wings' Ian White calls Gary Bettman 'an idiot'

Following a workout Friday, veteran Red Wings defenseman Ian White told the Detroit News exactly how he feels about NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. "I personally think he's an idiot," White said. "Since he's come in, he's done nothing but damaged the game.

The lights have been off at the Wells Fargo Center and other NHL arenas for more than a month and the frustration – and anger – level is growing.

Following a workout Friday, veteran Red Wings defenseman Ian White told the Detroit News exactly how he feels about NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

"I personally think he's an idiot," White said. "Since he's come in, he's done nothing but damaged the game.

"The moves he's made, teams that are struggling seem to be ones he put in places where there's not viable markets for hockey.

"Three lockouts (under Bettman's regime, including the entire 2004-05 season). I don't know if he's in control of the owners or what he's saying. (Eight) of the owners have to agree to have something passed —you'd think it would be at least 50 percent. It just doesn't seem like they're running a democratic process, if you will."

The league has canceled all games through Nov. 30 and is currently not negotiating with the players association.