NLL Insider

Les Bartley

This NLL thing has been a fascinating and frustrating process for everyone involved. I’ve spoken to a host of players, coaches and owners over the last few weeks and it’s amazing how this thing has twisted and turned from something no one really gave much credence to before Oct. 15 to there being absolutely zero chance of the 2008 season happening early last week to now there being a new proposal on the table and 2008 still being a reality.

However, I didn’t hear former Buffalo Bandits and Toronto Rock coach Les Bartley’s name mentioned until Tuesday. One of the most well-respected figures in lacrosse history after winning seven MILL/NLL championships, Bartley was also a union negotiator for General Motors. So, couple the fact that players and owners alike trusted and had the utmost respect for him with his career being labor negotiation, Bartley was invaluable during the NLL’s negotiations with the Professional Lacrosse Players Association (PLPA).

The NLL Hall of Famer passed away after a bout with cancer on May 15, 2005, just 18 hours after the Toronto Rock won the Champion’s Cup. Barely a week before his death, Bartley was named the NLL’s Executive of the Year in part for his help in the league reaching a collective bargaining agreement the previous offseason. That CBA was the one that expired July 31.

“Just like you don’t replace Gary Gait on a lacrosse team,” says one NLL coach, “You don’t replace Les Bartley.”

Rate This Story:

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...