Hockey coach tapes his mouth shut for bizarre TV interview

German coach's protest highlights growing frustration over lack of pay

A German ice hockey coach has taped his mouth shut during a live television interview to protest the lack of pay for his team.

Rico Rossi, coach of the ESV Kaufbeuren team in the DEL2 league, appeared on the TV show "Sport1 Doppelpass" with a piece of black tape covering his mouth.

When asked by the interviewer why he was wearing the tape, Rossi simply shook his head and pointed to a sign that read "No money, no voice."

Rossi's protest highlights the growing frustration among DEL2 coaches over the lack of pay. The DEL2 is the second-highest league in Germany, but many of the teams are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, many coaches have not been paid for months. Rossi said that he has not been paid since December.

"It's a disgrace," Rossi said. "We're working hard, but we're not getting paid. We have families to feed. We have bills to pay."

Rossi's protest has received widespread support from other coaches and players in the DEL2.

"I understand why Rico did what he did," said Thomas Popiesch, coach of the Lausitzer Füchse team.

"We're all in the same situation. We're not getting paid, and we're not getting any answers from the league."

The DEL2 league has said that it is working to resolve the issue of unpaid coaches.

"We understand the frustration of the coaches," said DEL2 managing director René Rudorisch.

"We are working hard to find a solution. We hope to have a resolution soon."