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Tuesday, December 14, 1999

Robertson-Hall conflict led to departure

Few commenting publicly on 1998-99 WPHL MVP's leaving Corpus Christi

By Mark Button

Caller-Times
 

Robertson

Chris Robertson felt his role as the Corpus Christi IceRays player representative created problems between himself and coach Taylor Hall that he eventually determined could be solved only by quitting the team.
   Robertson, the 1998-99 Western Professional Hockey League Most Valuable Player, wasn't ready to speak publicly about the reasons behind his decision to quit the IceRays Saturday night. But on Monday, Robertson released a statement to the Caller-Times that addressed his situation.
   Robertson indicated that he might be willing to elaborate later in the week.
   "As the IceRays player representative, my concern is the needs and rights of the players, and this was not respected by management," Robertson said in the press release.
   Robertson indicated in the press release that part of his concerns had to do with owner/general manager Bill Davidson.
   "I felt I had an obligation as the team's player representative to stand up for the players on certain issues that were being dictated (by Davidson)," Robertson wrote in the release.
   Davidson did not return phone calls Monday.
   The IceRays released a statement Monday officially announcing that Robertson had been suspended from the team, a move that stopped his paychecks and blocks other WPHL teams from acquiring his rights until he is released or traded.
   "Robertson's explanation of his quitting was vague according to a few players," said the IceRays' press release, "however Taylor Hall mentioned during the pregame interview before the game in Waco (Sunday) that Robertson had been disagreeing with some of coach Hall's hockey maneuvers."
   IceRays Brad Wingfield, Geoff Bumstead and Mike Tomlinson declined to comment Monday.
  
  

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Staff writer Mark Button can be reached at 886-3613 or by e-mail at buttonm@caller.com

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