"My comments were inexcusable": When Chris Chelios apologized after publicly threatening NHL commissioner Gary Bettman

Back in 1994, NHL legend Chris Chelios found himself in the midst of controversy when he famously threatened commissioner Gary Bettman who was looking to start a lockout. This resulted in the Chicago Blackhawks legend publicly apologizing to the league's topmost official.

The main reason for the conflict over the lockout was a dispute between the NHL Players Association and the owners, with Bettman at their head, over the salary cap. The NHLPA wanted a luxury tax system while the owners looked to help the small-market teams with a fixed cap for teams to spend.

Towards the end of September, there was no solution in sight which prompted Bettman to look for a lockout. Angry at the situation, Chris Chelios indirectly threatened him and his family.

"If I was Gary Bettman, I'd be worrying about my family, my well-being right now," Chelios said. "Some crazed fan or even a player, who knows, might take it into their own hands and figure they'd get him out of the way and things might get settled."

The Blackhawks were immediately discomfited by Chelios' manners and looked to put the situation to bed. They arranged for a one-on-one call between the pair with vice president Bob Pulford also present. The D-man later took back his statement and openly expressed regret.

"I want to express my deep regret at the pain I have caused the Bettman family and Commissioner Bettman," Chelios said. "My comments were inexcusable and I can't express how sorry I am. I am glad that Commissioner Bettman has chosen to be lenient in my case and let me start the season with the Blackhawks on Friday night."

Gary Bettman forwent an immediate suspension for Chris Chelios

Despite the magnitude of the mistake made by Chris Chelios, Gary Bettman didn't choose to suspend the player in conjunction with the Blackhawks. Instead, he took a calmer stance and chose to move on.

"During the course of our talk today, Chris acknowledged and regretted the toll his words exacted and he apolgized. We have a lot of healing to do in the National Hockey League and it is important that we get started on that process right now. I hope this decision contributes to the healing process," Bettman said.

The NHL lockout lasted till January 11, 1995, and the season had to be shortened to 48 games. There was a new labor agreement signed between the two conflicting parties. The league would again head into a lockout a decade later under Bettman's leadership.