Avery Spitting Report Denied By Rangers
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT (WFAN) — The New York Rangers have denied rumors that minor-league forward Sean Avery spat at Connecticut Whale head coach Ken Gernander.
Deadspin reported the Twitter rumor Saturday morning but these reports have since been refuted. TSN's Darren Dreger confirmed Saturday afternoon that Avery did not spit at Gernander nor did he refuse to play for the Rangers' AHL affiliate.
@DarrenDreger: "Rangers say Avery did not spit on coach and did not refuse to play with AHL team. Discipline based on combination of other matters."
Avery went on to defend himself through Twitter . @imseanavery: "Try not to BELIEVE everything u read. Gentlemen don't spit......."
@imseanavery: "Amazing how if I do speak it gets me in trouble...more amazing how not speaking gets me in more trouble!"
Avery has spent the 2011-12 season trying to fight for a place with the Rangers but has been sent to the minors on multiple occasions. The success of younger Rangers such as Carl Hagelin and John Mitchell has given Avery few opportunities to break into John Tortorella's lineup.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported earlier this week that two NHL franchises were interested in acquiring Avery if he were to go through re-entry waivers. Any claim would cost the Rangers $2 million dollars in salary cap space. The Rangers would rather trade Avery to an interested party. In that case, only around $400,000 would could against the salary cap.
Do you believe that Avery is innocent? What does his future hold? Share your thoughts below...
