Sean Avery, the League's Favorite 5-year-old

Sean Avery is at it again. The Dallas Stars forward was suspended indefinitely by the league yesterday for comments he made before a game against the Calgary Flames. The comments were directed towards Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf, who is now dating Avery's ex-girlfriend, actress Elisha Cuthbert.

Apparently, the incident happened shortly after a morning skate in Calgary, when Avery called reporters over and told them he had something to say:

"I am really happy to be back in Calgary, I love Canada," Avery said. "I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about. Enjoy the game tonight."

He then walked away, making no further comment about the upcoming game. Avery's antics came early enough for the league to suspend him for that night's game. He will be meeting with league commissioner Gary Bettman today, during which the length of his suspension will be determined.

His Dallas Stars teammates were unhappy, but seemingly not surprised by Avery's comments. Here are some of my favorite quotes from Stars, given after they found out about Avery's comments and subsequent suspension:

Les Jackson, Dallas co-GM

"He embarrassed our team, our city. He embarrassed our owner.Right now, we're pretty disappointed. It's pretty simple. It's totally unacceptable for the Dallas Stars. That's not how we want to be portrayed. It's not how we want people to see us."

Tom Hicks, Stars owner

"I completely support the league's decision to suspend Sean Avery. Had the league not have suspended him, the Dallas Stars would have. This organization will not tolerate such behavior, especially from a member of our hockey team. We hold our team to a higher standard and will continue to do so."

Marty Turco, Stars goalie

"Hopefully, he doesn't back down. He better show up like a man. But we expect that out of him like we have all year and the show continues."

Brad Richards, Stars center

"It's none of my business what he says and I'd rather not talk about Sean. He's got his own thing going on."

Brett Hull, Stars co-GM and Avery's former teammate in Detroit

"More than anything, he's let his teammates down. That's the worst part of it. It's basically a fundamental -- you don't embarrass the team and you carry yourself with class and good character. I've told him before, there's more to the game than just lacing up the skates. There are things you have to be accountable for."

Sounds to me like the team, particularly the players, have had enough with Avery. The Stars are off to their worse start in years, and it's hard to not put some of the blame on Avery, who was the only major change from last year's roster. Night in and night out, his antics not only embarass himself, but his teammates as well, prompting players like normally mild-mannered Mike Modano to openly criticize him. His actions, which he proudly calls "walking the line" really portray him as a whiny five-year-old. Does he really think he acts like a man with all his crap? He looks like a squeeling kid. He's living proof that one player can ruin an entire team.

Were his comments about Phaneuf that bad? Not really. I'm sure Mr. Phaneuf won't lose too much sleep over it. My biggest issue with Avery is his lack of accountability and respect for the team's he plays for. If you want to be an idiot, so be it; but don't do it at the expense of your teammates or the organization. Game after game, season after season, Avery pulls these stupid, selfish moves that get him bad penalties and suspensions. All of these hurt the team. On the ice, he leaves his team down a man, often getting kicked out and leaving a hole on the bench for the rest of the night. Off the ice, he disgraces the team that has payed him millions of dollars to come play for them. They are giving him a roster spot that another player rightfully deserves and would certainly respect.

Sean Avery is the complete opposite of a team player. He does not respect anyone, especially the teammates he is supposed to be fighting beside. He's the most selfish, self-centered player in this league. I sincerely hope the Dallas Stars severely address this issue with the toddler they have on their team.

PS - The Stars beat the Flames without Avery in the lineup...