No, seriously Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ian White, tell us how you really feel about NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

Via MLive.com:

"I got to be honest, I personally think he's an idiot,'' White said of Bettman. "Since he's come in I think he's done nothing but damage the game."

Well that'll increase the candor and good vibes that have led to negotiations potentially reaching a two-week freeze.

More White, from the Freep:

"If you think of all the moves he's made," White said, "teams that are all struggling seem to be the teams that he put in places where there's not viable markets for hockey. Three work stoppages -- I don't know if he's in control of the owners or what he's saying, but I think it's only seven of the owners that have to agree on something to have something pass. You'd think it'd be at least 50%. It just doesn't seem like they're running a democratic process, if you will."

White has been candid critic of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman during the lockout.

When the Winter Classic was canceled, White felt it was a harbinger of doom that could lead to the cancellation of the full season. Via the Windsor Star:

"So if he's willing to throw away that game, then the balance of the season, I would think, is definitely on the line. So it's terrible if that's what's going through his mind."

Expect White to receive mega-kudos from NHLPA backers in the media and Bettman bashers among hockey fans. Maybe even some high-fives from his NHLPA peers who don't have the stomach to be this candid with their thoughts.

Our question: If Bettman's an idiot, what does that say about the man who helped hire him? You know, the one that cuts Ian White and the Red Wings a check? That pizza guy?