Getting fired from a high-profile job is never a pleasant experience. But true professionals know how to handle themselves throughout the process, market themselves effectively to other organizations in their industries and get their careers back on track. Lashing out at your previous employer in the media isn't part of the plan. But that's precisely what Barry Melrose did earlier this week. Melrose, who was recently fired after just 16 games as head coach of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, got into a very public war of words with his former employer in a radio interview on Toronto's Fan 590. Here are a few of Melrose's gems from the interview: "I had guys in Tampa that wanted to run the team and I wouldn't let them....Every day was a constant battle." "They have guys in charge (now) and they can do what they want. Obviously that's not working out very well either." And when asked if he was happy to see his former team continue to struggle, he said: "I'm not going to lie to you, it does. And any coach who says it doesn't is a liar. I hope Tampa Bay doesn't win a game the rest of the year." It might have been a relief to get that off his chest, but his outburst clearly won't do much to impress prospective employers. If he had taken the high road in the media and put a lid on his controversial comments, Melrose might have had another shot at a coaching position in the future.

Anyone who doubts that their ability (or lack thereof) to handle media interviews can have a direct impact on their careers should consider the case of Sean Avery. Earlier this week, Avery made some awful comments to a scrum of reporters about former girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert (who is now dating Dion Phaneuf from the Calgary Flames). I won't repeat his comments here. You've probably heard all about them by now. If not, just Google it. The bottom line is that Avery's now famous lapse in judgment (that took less than 10 seconds to speak) will not only cost him his job with the Dallas Stars, but possibly spell an end to his NHL career altogether. Let's just survey the extensive damage done by one poorly-considered quote to a few sports reporters. Avery has been suspended by the league. His teammates have said openly that they don't want him back. He's sure to take a significant financial hit. The team's ownership and management are in damage control mode. And the Dallas Stars, who are a perenial NHL contender, are having a dismal season. While the team's performance can't be attributed solely to Avery's ongoing behaviour problems, it certainly can't be helping them. And this doesn't even take into account the emotional pain that he's caused his former girlfriend with his mindless comments. The NHL is a business like any other. The players are expected to represent their organizations in certain manner in their dealings with the media. I've always held that the ability to conduct effective media interviews is a career-enhancing skill. Conversely, the inability to manage interviews strategically can be a career time bomb waiting to go off. That's something Sean Avery will have plenty of time to think about in the years ahead, as he contemplates the multi-million dollar career that was destroyed by a few poorly-chosen words.