FanHouse national NHL writer Chris Botta has confirmed that his press credentials were revoked by the New York Islanders.
Botta was a longtime employee of the Islanders, working for over 20 years, including more than ten as VP of Communications. Along with his work at FanHouse, Botta runs the Islanders blog Islanders Point Blank, on which he provides comprehensive coverage of the team. The blog began as a team-funded publication, but has since become entirely independent from the NHL franchise.
The move comes after the firing of Islanders coach Scott Gordon on Monday. After the move, Botta wrote on IPB that the team's 10-game losing streak (which has now reached 11), was not the fault of solely Gordon, and "everyone, even Garth Snow, has to know that."
On Wednesday, Botta posted that IPB would be "closed indefinitely" starting later in the day. While the site is still up, and no posts have been taken down, Botta has not updated the site since then.
"I'm doing my best to lay low and wait until the process plays completely out," Botta said. "The support, in some cases from unlikely sources, has been incredible. I hope something can be worked out and my day-to-day Islanders coverage returns. More than just about anybody, after more than 20 years of being around the Islanders, I know how much this franchise still means to a lot of people."
Neil Best of "Newsday" notes that the Pro Hockey Writers Association is protesting, and the NHL is also involved.
Chris Botta's Credentials Pulled by New York Islanders
Nov 18, 2010 – 2:35 PM
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