Can you think of a coach, from the outside, who would have enough stature to influence the system... to allow for offense and imagination?

Then again... if Lombardi goes, along with Sutter... I suppose a whole new system will be ushered in.

Badly needed, in my opinion: A tweaked system that retains the strong defense, but allows for creativity and skill, which are now being used effectively by opposing teams.

Bashing and intimidation alone will no longer work for the Kings.
- Media_Oddball

I think that replacing Sutter mid-season would be a mistake. If we get to game 20 and the Kings are 5-15, then obviously something needs to be done, but if they're playing 500 hockey, then the coaching staff doesn't need an overhaul.

Can you think of a coach, from the outside, who would have enough stature to influence the system... to allow for offense and imagination?

Then again... if Lombardi goes, along with Sutter... I suppose a whole new system will be ushered in.

Badly needed, in my opinion: A tweaked system that retains the strong defense, but allows for creativity and skill, which are now being used effectively by opposing teams.

Bashing and intimidation alone will no longer work for the Kings.
- Media_Oddball

I can think of several. They are all currently employed by other NHL teams, which is why replacing Sutter during the season would be a mistake. If you truly want Sutter's head on a spike, so be it, but you need to wait for a better alternative to become available. John Stevens is not the answer.

I can think of several. They are all currently employed by other NHL teams, which is why replacing Sutter during the season would be a mistake. If you truly want Sutter's head on a spike, so be it, but you need to wait for a better alternative to become available. John Stevens is not the answer.
- tkecanuck341

AGREE!!!! This ^

I can think of several. They are all currently employed by other NHL teams, which is why replacing Sutter during the season would be a mistake. If you truly want Sutter's head on a spike, so be it, but you need to wait for a better alternative to become available. John Stevens is not the answer.
- tkecanuck341

Since a change was not made over the summer... Dean Lombardi is in a mighty pickle.

His job is now on the line... and waiting it out for a coaching change is risky business, for him.

Perhaps ownership will wait the season out... and get rid of both Lombardi and Sutter... then overhaul the entire system.

But, if he is allowed to do so by ownership... I believe Lombardi will act swiftly in an effort to save his own job.

Since a change was not made over the summer... Dean Lombardi is in a mighty pickle.

His job is now on the line... and waiting it out for a coaching change is risky business, for him.

Perhaps ownership will wait the season out... and get rid of both Lombardi and Sutter... then overhaul the entire system.

But, if he is allowed to do so by ownership... I believe Lombardi will act swiftly in an effort to save his own job.
- Media_Oddball

I dont see them firing Lombardi 2 years removed from a Stanley Cup championship. He definitely bought himself a little more time. I dont view him as in the hot seat, at all

If anything, Lombardi will (and already has) point the blame in the direction of the players (stoll, richards, voynov) and coaches and say it was really out of his control

I dont see them firing Lombardi 2 years removed from a Stanley Cup championship. He definitely bought himself a little more time. I dont view him as in the hot seat, at all

If anything, Lombardi will (and already has) point the blame in the direction of the players (stoll, richards, voynov) and coaches and say it was really out of his control
- FourFeathers773

The fact that Dean Lombardi, as GM, continues to deflect blame from himself (this is his MO) will be his downfall.

Several of his maneuvers, to put it mildly, have not panned out well... and his handling of the Richards contract has garnered criticism from other league executives.

In addition, his pattern of public, over-the-top emotional "processing" lacks professionalism and negatively affects the image of the Kings' organization.

In my opinion... he is on his way out.

The fact that Dean Lombardi, as GM, continues to deflect blame from himself (this is his MO) will be his downfall.

Several of his maneuvers, to put it mildly, have not panned out well... and his handling of the Richards contract has garnered criticism from other league executives.

In addition, his pattern of public, over-the-top emotional "processing" lacks professionalism and negatively affects the image of the Kings' organization.

In my opinion... he is on his way out.
- Media_Oddball

The Kings are the 2nd most successful franchise in the past decade behind only Chicago, a team that was coined a dynasty by the league commissioner. Lombardi built that after 45 years of mediocrity. One middling season + two games and you're already calling for both the coach and the GM to be fired? You guys must be Lakers' fans.

The fact that Dean Lombardi, as GM, continues to deflect blame from himself (this is his MO) will be his downfall.

Several of his maneuvers, to put it mildly, have not panned out well... and his handling of the Richards contract has garnered criticism from other league executives.

In addition, his pattern of public, over-the-top emotional "processing" lacks professionalism and negatively affects the image of the Kings' organization.

In my opinion... he is on his way out.
- Media_Oddball

Yea that who LA Times article seemed to pit a lot of people against Lombardi. He was better off keeping his mouth shut. All this public pining about being duped by Richards like Dean had a blindfold on the whole time. Obviously the hypocrisy of the way he has gone about both contracts for Richards and Voynov has been written about numerous times thus far (James Mirtle wrote a piece this morning that is pretty spot on).

The thing I wonder about moving forward is this: How is LAK viewed as potential FA destination now? Lombardi just dragged a guy through the mud and had two other guys he shoved out the door instead of helping as he insists he always tries to do. In addition, with this swindling of the Richards contract, how willing are other GMs to pick up his phone calls and talk trades?

The Kings are the 2nd most successful franchise in the past decade behind only Chicago, a team that was coined a dynasty by the league commissioner. Lombardi built that after 45 years of mediocrity. One middling season + two games and you're already calling for both the coach and the GM to be fired? You guys must be Lakers' fans.
- tkecanuck341

My lack of respect for Dean Lombardi goes back to his handling of his firing of Terry Murray. Although I agreed that he needed to be fired.... I was shocked that Dean Lombardi squarely placed the blame FOR HIS OWN ACTION AS GM on his players... and spoke disrespectfully about them, publicly.

He, himself, took action... but placed responsibility for HIS OWN action on his players.

At the time... I was stunned at his lack of class.

Now... sadly... I have grown accustomed to his pattern of deflection... and his repeated usage of the Victim GM playbook.

According to Dean Lombardi, Drama King...
Everyone is betraying him.
He is nothing short of a hockey martyr, full of good intent, even as his players, coaches and the world around him... disappoint him on a daily basis.

He is demonstrating that he is not fit to be GM.

I hold to my opinion that he will be gone... soon.

The Kings are the 2nd most successful franchise in the past decade behind only Chicago, a team that was coined a dynasty by the league commissioner. Lombardi built that after 45 years of mediocrity. One middling season + two games and you're already calling for both the coach and the GM to be fired? You guys must be Lakers' fans.
- tkecanuck341

You can make that claim if you are only counting Stanley Cups and are ignoring the mediocre regular season performances. Under Sutter, in spite of the team's two Cups, the team had only the 7th best regular season record. If you go back the full decade and include Lombardi's terrible first three years you will find that we are in the middle of the pack. Kings' fans try to make the most of this under performance by gloating over winning two post-season tournaments which take only 16 wins. While I admit that it is an accomplishment, what about the 820 regular season games over the last decade? Six months of hockey each season. Are they to mean nothing other than entrance into the brief tournament? If that's your thing, fine. I'm a hockey enthusiast the entire season and don't feel that great when my team can only finish 8th in its conference, then get hot during a 20 game period and win a tournament. To me, that's a consolation prize for a mediocre season.

I think that replacing Sutter mid-season would be a mistake. If we get to game 20 and the Kings are 5-15, then obviously something needs to be done, but if they're playing 500 hockey, then the coaching staff doesn't need an overhaul.
- tkecanuck341

You might be right, but something needs to change. Maybe that's why DL is trying to trade for another defenseman. That's a good freaking place to start, IMO.

Yea that who LA Times article seemed to pit a lot of people against Lombardi. He was better off keeping his mouth shut. All this public pining about being duped by Richards like Dean had a blindfold on the whole time. Obviously the hypocrisy of the way he has gone about both contracts for Richards and Voynov has been written about numerous times thus far (James Mirtle wrote a piece this morning that is pretty spot on).

The thing I wonder about moving forward is this: How is LAK viewed as potential FA destination now? Lombardi just dragged a guy through the mud and had two other guys he shoved out the door instead of helping as he insists he always tries to do. In addition, with this swindling of the Richards contract, how willing are other GMs to pick up his phone calls and talk trades?
- FourFeathers773

Huge, important question that you pose, in my opinion.

Dean Lombardi has, by his own actions and public behavior, damaged the reputation of the Kings' organization. I can only imagine how upset an upstanding, professional front office presence such as Luc Robitaille must feel about this.

From a business standpoint, Dean Lombardi has harmed the Kings' organization.

Apologies for my inept emboldened print in my post above.

Obviously... I did not mean to do it... and have tried to correct it... and will try to not repeat my mistake.

SORRY.

You can make that claim if you are only counting Stanley Cups and are ignoring the mediocre regular season performances. Under Sutter, in spite of the team's two Cups, the team had only the 7th best regular season record. If you go back the full decade and include Lombardi's terrible first three years you will find that we are in the middle of the pack. Kings' fans try to make the most of this under performance by gloating over winning two post-season tournaments which take only 16 wins. While I admit that it is an accomplishment, what about the 820 regular season games over the last decade? Six months of hockey each season. Are they to mean nothing other than entrance into the brief tournament? If that's your thing, fine. I'm a hockey enthusiast the entire season and don't feel that great when my team can only finish 8th in its conference, then get hot during a 20 game period and win a tournament. To me, that's a consolation prize for a mediocre season.
- Klaatu

Funny you mention this: last season, a Vancouver fan had a running joke where he'd/she'd repeatedly troll the board with comments like "Yeah, 2 Stanley Cups in 3 years are great, but President's Cups are the most important thing."

Your opinion about the importance of the regular season belongs to you. I can remember this organization sucking for so long that I could care less about the regular season performance so long as we make a good run in the playoffs. Granted, however, that opinion of mine might change if the Kings get further and further away from 13/14 without another Cup.

My lack of respect for Dean Lombardi goes back to his handling of his firing of Terry Murray. Although I agreed that he needed to be fired.... I was shocked that Dean Lombardi squarely placed the blame FOR HIS OWN ACTION AS GM on his players... and spoke disrespectfully about them, publicly.

He, himself, took action... but placed responsibility for HIS OWN action on his players.

At the time... I was stunned at his lack of class.

Now... sadly... I have grown accustomed to his pattern of deflection... and his repeated usage of the Victim GM playbook.

According to Dean Lombardi, Drama King...
Everyone is betraying him.
He is nothing short of a hockey martyr, full of good intent, even as his players, coaches and the world around him... disappoint him on a daily basis.

He is demonstrating that he is not fit to be GM.

I hold to my opinion that he will be gone... soon.
- Media_Oddball

I think Lombardi has done a fair amount of taking the blame for things that happen. When the news was first announced about Voynov, here's what he said:

I walked down to Jeff Solomon’s office and said ‘This is my fault.’ I’ll tell you a story. We neglected to educate our players. We spend time teaching them systems, nutrition, and everything else, but we missed a big step here in terms of insuring that they understand right and wrong and that this has to be reinforced, not only as a human being, but as somebody who is representative of your community.
- Dean Lombardi

Back in December 2011, everyone was calling for Terry Murray's head, and Lomabardi gave it to them. Here's what he said about Murray's firing:

It’s simple. It’s sounds cliche-ish, but it’s true. The message is, they’re accountable. Unfortunately, the coach has to pay the price, but make no mistake, they’re the ones who are accountable for this.’
- Dean Lombardi

GMs and coaches can't win hockey games. They can give the players the personnel, systems, and tools necessary to win, but the players have to execute. Lombardi's message at the time was that something had to change to show the players that their level of play was unacceptable. While Murray was the one that got the axe (you can't fire players), it was their poor play that needed to change. Guess what, it worked, they got the message, and hoisted Lord Stanley's cup 7 months later. I don't think anything he said here was disrespectful, at all. Here's a link to Lombardi's conference call after firing Terry Murray. Point out the disrespect for me:

LA Kings Insider - Lombardi Conference Call Transcript

Lombardi has done his job over the past decade better than 28 other GMs in the league. Last year was a setback, one that he took responsibility for, and one that he wishes not to repeat. I actually give credit to Lombardi and the Kings organization for not doing the easy thing and disclosing all the details about Richards' situation. Lombardi could have come out and said "look here's exactly what happened and why we're terminating his contract," but he didn't, and chose a player's right to confidentiality at the cost of making the Kings look bad in the media.

I have the utmost respect for Dean Lombardi, and full confidence in the team that he has built here. Even though the Kings didn't make the playoffs last season, their performance was not a significant dropoff from the three years prior where the fans were singing DL and DS's praises for getting us to 3 conference finals and 2 Stanley Cups, despite some challenging personnel and cap issues. I think you have blown all of the examples you give out of proportion, and cherry pick instances from the media to attempt to smear Lombardi and Sutter after a disappointing start to the season.

I think Lombardi has done a fair amount of taking the blame for things that happen. When the news was first announced about Voynov, here's what he said:



Back in December 2011, everyone was calling for Terry Murray's head, and Lomabardi gave it to them. Here's what he said about Murray's firing:



GMs and coaches can't win hockey games. They can give the players the personnel, systems, and tools necessary to win, but the players have to execute. Lombardi's message at the time was that something had to change to show the players that their level of play was unacceptable. While Murray was the one that got the axe (you can't fire players), it was their poor play that needed to change. Guess what, it worked, they got the message, and hoisted Lord Stanley's cup 7 months later. I don't think anything he said here was disrespectful, at all. Here's a link to Lombardi's conference call after firing Terry Murray. Point out the disrespect for me:

LA Kings Insider - Lombardi Conference Call Transcript

Lombardi has done his job over the past decade better than 28 other GMs in the league. Last year was a setback, one that he took responsibility for, and one that he wishes not to repeat. I actually give credit to Lombardi and the Kings organization for not doing the easy thing and disclosing all the details about Richards' situation. Lombardi could have come out and said "look here's exactly what happened and why we're terminating his contract," but he didn't, and chose a player's right to confidentiality at the cost of making the Kings look bad in the media.

I have the utmost respect for Dean Lombardi, and full confidence in the team that he has built here. Even though the Kings didn't make the playoffs last season, their performance was not a significant dropoff from the three years prior where the fans were singing DL and DS's praises for getting us to 3 conference finals and 2 Stanley Cups, despite some challenging personnel and cap issues. I think you have blown all of the examples you give out of proportion, and cherry pick instances from the media to attempt to smear Lombardi and Sutter after a disappointing start to the season.
- tkecanuck341

He seems like quite the weasel to me parading around as a politician pandering to people for sympathy

But to each their own opinion

I think Lombardi has done a fair amount of taking the blame for things that happen. When the news was first announced about Voynov, here's what he said:



Back in December 2011, everyone was calling for Terry Murray's head, and Lomabardi gave it to them. Here's what he said about Murray's firing:



GMs and coaches can't win hockey games. They can give the players the personnel, systems, and tools necessary to win, but the players have to execute. Lombardi's message at the time was that something had to change to show the players that their level of play was unacceptable. While Murray was the one that got the axe (you can't fire players), it was their poor play that needed to change. Guess what, it worked, they got the message, and hoisted Lord Stanley's cup 7 months later. I don't think anything he said here was disrespectful, at all. Here's a link to Lombardi's conference call after firing Terry Murray. Point out the disrespect for me:

LA Kings Insider - Lombardi Conference Call Transcript

Lombardi has done his job over the past decade better than 28 other GMs in the league. Last year was a setback, one that he took responsibility for, and one that he wishes not to repeat. I actually give credit to Lombardi and the Kings organization for not doing the easy thing and disclosing all the details about Richards' situation. Lombardi could have come out and said "look here's exactly what happened and why we're terminating his contract," but he didn't, and chose a player's right to confidentiality at the cost of making the Kings look bad in the media.

I have the utmost respect for Dean Lombardi, and full confidence in the team that he has built here. Even though the Kings didn't make the playoffs last season, their performance was not a significant dropoff from the three years prior where the fans were singing DL and DS's praises for getting us to 3 conference finals and 2 Stanley Cups, despite some challenging personnel and cap issues. I think you have blown all of the examples you give out of proportion, and cherry pick instances from the media to attempt to smear Lombardi and Sutter after a disappointing start to the season.
- tkecanuck341

Although we disagree completely regarding Dean Lombardi, I respect your opinion and your comprehensive post.

Your presumption that I have formed my opinion about Lombardi "after a disappointing start to the season" is incorrect.

As I have mentioned in prior posts, my lack of respect for Dean Lombardi extends back to his handling of the firing of Terry Murray. He did, even per the quotes that you have cited, place responsibility on his players. I have no respect for that.

Subsequently... an ongoing chain of classless behavior on his part (in my opinion) has merely firmed my lack of regard for his professional conduct.

The fact that Dean Lombardi has won two Stanley Cups does not, for me, outweigh his lack of class, professionally.

Whether one wins or loses is far less important to me than doing so admirably.

You respect Dean Lombardi. I do not.

But I appreciate our exchange.

Although we disagree completely regarding Dean Lombardi, I respect your opinion and your comprehensive post.

Your presumption that I have formed my opinion about Lombardi "after a disappointing start to the season" is incorrect.

As I have mentioned in prior posts, my lack of respect for Dean Lombardi extends back to his handling of the firing of Terry Murray. He did, even per the quotes that you have cited, place responsibility on his players. I have no respect for that.

Subsequently... an ongoing chain of classless behavior on his part (in my opinion) has merely firmed my lack of regard for his professional conduct.

The fact that Dean Lombardi has won two Stanley Cups does not, for me, outweigh his lack of class, professionally.

Whether one wins or loses is far less important to me than doing so admirably.

You respect Dean Lombardi. I do not.

But I appreciate our exchange.
- Media_Oddball

Fair enough, you are entitled to your opinion. We shall agree to disagree.

I think Lombardi has done a fair amount of taking the blame for things that happen. When the news was first announced about Voynov, here's what he said:



Back in December 2011, everyone was calling for Terry Murray's head, and Lomabardi gave it to them. Here's what he said about Murray's firing:



GMs and coaches can't win hockey games. They can give the players the personnel, systems, and tools necessary to win, but the players have to execute. Lombardi's message at the time was that something had to change to show the players that their level of play was unacceptable. While Murray was the one that got the axe (you can't fire players), it was their poor play that needed to change. Guess what, it worked, they got the message, and hoisted Lord Stanley's cup 7 months later. I don't think anything he said here was disrespectful, at all. Here's a link to Lombardi's conference call after firing Terry Murray. Point out the disrespect for me:

LA Kings Insider - Lombardi Conference Call Transcript

Lombardi has done his job over the past decade better than 28 other GMs in the league. Last year was a setback, one that he took responsibility for, and one that he wishes not to repeat. I actually give credit to Lombardi and the Kings organization for not doing the easy thing and disclosing all the details about Richards' situation. Lombardi could have come out and said "look here's exactly what happened and why we're terminating his contract," but he didn't, and chose a player's right to confidentiality at the cost of making the Kings look bad in the media.

I have the utmost respect for Dean Lombardi, and full confidence in the team that he has built here. Even though the Kings didn't make the playoffs last season, their performance was not a significant dropoff from the three years prior where the fans were singing DL and DS's praises for getting us to 3 conference finals and 2 Stanley Cups, despite some challenging personnel and cap issues. I think you have blown all of the examples you give out of proportion, and cherry pick instances from the media to attempt to smear Lombardi and Sutter after a disappointing start to the season.
- tkecanuck341

To me, claiming that coaches and GMs have little control over winning games is ridiculous. GMs bring together a group of players. If they do not select them with insight, recognizing that chemistry is important, they have created a situation where winning games is more difficult. Likewise, the coach is responsible for organizing the players and fitting them into a "system" which brings out their skills. In addition he directs the game from the bench during the game. Coaches can, and often do, screw up in both situations, making poor tactical decisions on how he employs his players and playing combinations that don't work together. We see the results in successful vs. unsuccessful coaches. If you're not willing to admit this then there is no difference between coaches and no reason to give them credit if they happen to be coaching a successful team.

I'll never get tired of hearing "KINGS ARE STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS" because that's really how they show that they care about their fans. The skate with cup is all I need to see that they care. I'm sure the Ducks fans are very happy and fulfilled with all their home wins...
- Stu17

Read what I said. I did not say that the Kings fans are tired of hearing their team being referred to as Stanley Cup Champions (especially since it took 45 years for that to happen). I do think that the Kings players owe their fans a level of competition in the regular season above what they have delivered the last several years. I think it's great for hockey in Southern California for both teams to be competitive and be in the hunt for the Cup. I note that you couldn't refrain from getting in a dig in about the Ducks success in the regular season. I wish I had a dollar for everytime I heard that. I, for one, do happen to enjoy the regular season. Do I enjoy the playoffs? You bet. Do I want the Ducks to win the Stanley Cup? Of course. Do I think their season is a failure if they don't win the cup? No. Only 1 of 30 teams get to do it every year. The Kings have proven over their years of mediocrity (all but the last several) that mediocrity in the regular season equals no playoffs or a quick exit. They have the talent. They need to show it more often in the regular season. Because as they found out last year, the regular season does matter.

To me, claiming that coaches and GMs have little control over winning games is ridiculous. GMs bring together a group of players. If they do not select them with insight, recognizing that chemistry is important, they have created a situation where winning games is more difficult. Likewise, the coach is responsible for organizing the players and fitting them into a "system" which brings out their skills. In addition he directs the game from the bench during the game. Coaches can, and often do, screw up in both situations, making poor tactical decisions on how he employs his players and playing combinations that don't work together. We see the results in successful vs. unsuccessful coaches. If you're not willing to admit this then there is no difference between coaches and no reason to give them credit if they happen to be coaching a successful team.
- Klaatu

I never said that they have little control over winning games. I said they're not the ones that win the games. Ultimately the players go out on the ice, and they score the goals and they allow the goals against. The GMs responsibility is making sure that the franchise has the personnel (coaching and players) necessary to win, while the coach's responsibility is to make sure that the team has the correct system and line combinations to execute the system. However, the GMs and coaches aren't on the ice. Lombardi's assertion was that the fault with the lack of performance lay in the execution of the system. Considering that mostly the same personnel went from underperforming in December to winning the Stanley Cup in June while executing the same system, it would appear that he was correct.

Read what I said. I did not say that the Kings fans are tired of hearing their team being referred to as Stanley Cup Champions (especially since it took 45 years for that to happen). I do think that the Kings players owe their fans a level of competition in the regular season above what they have delivered the last several years. I think it's great for hockey in Southern California for both teams to be competitive and be in the hunt for the Cup. I note that you couldn't refrain from getting in a dig in about the Ducks success in the regular season. I wish I had a dollar for everytime I heard that. I, for one, do happen to enjoy the regular season. Do I enjoy the playoffs? You bet. Do I want the Ducks to win the Stanley Cup? Of course. Do I think their season is a failure if they don't win the cup? No. Only 1 of 30 teams get to do it every year. The Kings have proven over their years of mediocrity (all but the last several) that mediocrity in the regular season equals no playoffs or a quick exit. They have the talent. They need to show it more often in the regular season. Because as they found out last year, the regular season does matter.
- DiggerCal

You can make the argument that Kings fans deserve a level of play above what they received last season. Anything beyond that is BS because 16 months ago, the Kings were hoisting the Stanley Cup.

I never said that they have little control over winning games. I said they're not the ones that win the games. Ultimately the players go out on the ice, and they score the goals and they allow the goals against. The GMs responsibility is making sure that the franchise has the personnel (coaching and players) necessary to win, while the coach's responsibility is to make sure that the team has the correct system and line combinations to execute the system. However, the GMs and coaches aren't on the ice. Lombardi's assertion was that the fault with the lack of performance lay in the execution of the system. Considering that mostly the same personnel went from underperforming in December to winning the Stanley Cup in June while executing the same system, it would appear that he was correct.
- tkecanuck341

And in making that assertion he was passing the buck. He chose Sutter to coach the team. It is Sutter's job to not only make tactical decisions but to motivate players. Coaches can destroy morale by their approach and Lombardi admitted in the interview after last season that there was a breakdown in communication between coach and players. Lombardi knows Sutter. He fired him before. So he bears some responsibility for the Kings' fold last year, as does Sutter and the players. To place it all on the players shows a lack of integrity. When you're the boss you always say, "the buck stops here." You don't whine to the press that you've been betrayed by a lack of effort by the players.

And in making that assertion he was passing the buck. He chose Sutter to coach the team. It is Sutter's job to not only make tactical decisions but to motivate players. Coaches can destroy morale by their approach and Lombardi admitted in the interview after last season that there was a breakdown in communication between coach and players. Lombardi knows Sutter. He fired him before. So he bears some responsibility for the Kings' fold last year, as does Sutter and the players. To place it all on the players shows a lack of integrity. When you're the boss you always say, "the buck stops here." You don't whine to the press that you've been betrayed by a lack of effort by the players.
- Klaatu

Where does he place last season's result "all on the players"? I've read every Lombardi transcript and did not once see him throw the team under the bus. The only place he admonishes a player is with Richards. He says he felt betrayed by Richards because he apparently consistently lied to Lombardi about his drug usage, despite being given numerous opportunities to come clean and get help. He even puts some of the blame with Richards on "the institution of sport" and therefore himself, because Lombardi is a main player in that institution.

I believe that what happened to Mike Richards is a tragedy and I cannot let it go. My short-term goal is to win championships; my long-term goal is to eventually become more involved with groups studying the changing values that are becoming increasingly evident in sport and their root causes. I certainly believe that Mike Richards must be held accountable for his actions — but when a player who at one time symbolized everything that was special about the sport can become caught in such a destructive spiral, then I believe the institution of sport must begin to examine its level of culpability.
- Dean Lombardi

Where else do you see Lombardi "place it all on the players"? I certainly didn't get that impression at all.

I'm freaking out.
- Gretz2Kurri

If you are freaking out, has someone checked on Matthew Barry?