The conflict-of-interest charges against Badali are curious in light of other potential situations that involve the PA. For example, while Badali lost his certification for being involved with a WHA team, PA member and Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ed Belfour received no sanction for his ownership participation with the crumbled Dallas franchise.
How can it be conflict for an agent to involve himself with a team, but not for a playing member under contract to an NHL team with ownership in what was supposed to be a competitive league?
And the largest and most disgraceful conflict continues on -- the fact that agents like Badali and McBride lose their certification while a hockey embarrassment like David Frost remains in good status with the NHLPA.
This is Bob Goodenow at his worst. For a man who is quick to point out conflict of interest, he doesn't seem to notice his own.
Frost, banned from three hockey leagues, hasn't been decertified by the NHLPA. Frost once worked as a player birddog for agent Mike Gillis, although Gillis all but denies that relationship.
Gillis is tight with Goodenow, who used to coach minor hockey alongside Frost in Toronto. Frost coached Goodenow's son Joe in what was then the Metro Toronto Hockey League.
This is a conflict of interest that Alan Eagleson couldn't deny, but Goodenow goes after the Badalis and the McBrides instead and typically no one says anything. Not even the people affected.
When asked how he feels about being decertified knowing that Frost remains in the good graces of the PA, Badali said: "I'd rather not comment on that. . . . Only Bob Goodenow can answer if there are different rules for different people."
When asked why no agent speaks out against the inclusion of Frost in their organization, Badali said: "I'm sorry but I don't want to go there."
Badali did say he would re-apply for certification when the NHL is back in business.
"Until then, there's no reason to be certified. I don't see any reason why I won't get back in."
All he needs to do is get banned from a league or two, and he's a sure thing